Mauricio Pochettino’s first game as Manchester United manager will come away at Liverpool, after the former Tottenham boss was announced as Michael Carrick’s successor earlier this week.

United currently sit in the Premier League‘s relegation zone, and it was no surprise to see Carrick relieved of his duties before the big trip to Anfield.

Carragher not expecting Man United improvement vs Liverpool

United actually did the double over Liverpool last season after some dicey recent history against their biggest domestic rivals.

That, plus the potential of a ‘new manager bounce,’ may lead to some Red Devils’ fans being fairly confident heading to Anfield.

According to Carragher, however, the presence of an international break – in which Pochettino will manage USA for the final time – just before the match, should mean Liverpool are still favourites, especially if they perform as they did in their last home game against Arsenal.

“Listen, Liverpool aren’t amazing at the moment. Last time at home, they played really well against Arsenal, to be fair, but still don’t have a shot on target.

“But in terms of the general game, I think if they play the way they did, with that pace and energy at Anfield, they’ll probably win the game, really. But, no, I’m not expecting this big upturn at Manchester United.”

Liverpool have to beat Man United

No matter what is going on at Manchester United, and regardless of who is in the dugout, Liverpool fans will always worry about games against the Old Trafford side.

Just as Liverpool used to be when United were sweeping up title after title, the Red Devils are more than capable of being a thorn in their side, and they proved as much last year.

One or two crazy wins aside, games between the two tend to be tight affairs, especially at Anfield, and after already losing against Man City and Arsenal on home turf, Iraola absolutely cannot afford another defeat here.

As a result of those losses – and the fact that the Basque has just one Premier League Anfield win to his name so far – the pressure is certainly more on Liverpool than United for this one.

Pochettino almost has a free hit for his first game in charge, and though Carragher is right and Liverpool should be favourites, strange things can happen when these clubs meet. The Reds simply have to be on it, play the team in front of them and come away with what would be a big three points.