Manchester United's 3-2 win against Liverpool put them six points clear of the soon-to-be former Premier League champions, sparking a debate over who'll next win the title
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville argued over Manchester United's progress(Image: Sky Sports)
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Jamie Carragher has dismissed Manchester United's chances of winning the Premier League title in the next two seasons, telling Gary Neville not to be 'kidded' by their form under Michael Carrick.
United beat reigning champions Liverpool 3-2 on Sunday to give Carrick his ninth victory in 13 games as interim manager. Meanwhile, Arne Slot's side are likely to finish fourth, failing to build on a dominant campaign last time out.
Reflecting on the two teams' contrasting fortunes, Neville suggested that United aren't far away from winning their first title since 2013 - despite not having a permanent manager in place. "There's a couple of real unknowns; the managers and which club is going to recruit the best this summer," the ex-United captain began on his Sky Sports podcast.
"Both are going to sign three or four. But how much money do the clubs have to spend money on recruitment? I do think the league could be up for grabs over the next couple of years and I think Manchester United could be in a position to exploit that.
"At some point, Pep [Guardiola] has to leave [Manchester City]. And I don't think the other big clubs aren't quite right. There is a league title up to grabs over the next one to two years."
Carragher, on the other hand, believes that United are in a 'false economy', having played far less fixtures than Liverpool this season - something that'll change next term after they qualified for the Champions League. "I still think Liverpool are better-placed and the reason I say that is we've seen Man United's best team out there today," the Anfield legend said.
"Liverpool are three of four short there. They also have the players who have won before in terms of the biggest trophies. I don't think either of them will be there in terms of the title next season. I still think it will be Arsenal or Manchester City.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 3: Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick celebrates with Casemiro of Manchester United at full time during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 3, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has transformed Manchester United's fortunes(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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"There's a false economy with Manchester United when they haven't played any European football and they went out in the first round of both cup competitions. Now that can fool you.
"Man United will finish third this season but I don't think for a minute believe they're the third-best team in the Premier League. I still think Liverpool are in a better position in terms of the squad when the injured players get back and having those players that have won trophies before."
Their row resumed when they entered the Sky studio at Old Trafford - although it ended with a gentlemanly handshake. Neville continued: "(Liverpool) have to build a new team that won't have won the titles that they've won before. Liverpool's recruitment is gonna have to be good - and it has been good in the past - and the manager's gonna have to settle down next season."
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) speaks with Liverpool's Scottish defender #26 Andrew Robertson (C) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on May 3, 2026. (Photo by Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications.
Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool(Image: Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)
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Raising his arms as Carragher attempted to respond, Neville added: "Do you know something? We've beat them twice this season, we've finished above them in the league and he's still sat there saying, 'Liverpool are better'! What more can United do?"
An exacerbated Carragher then replied: "Don't get kidded about United finishing third, you've had no European (football), no cup competitions. You've done really well this season in terms of where you've ended up, but don't get kidded by it!
"How can you say you think Manchester United in the next year or two could win the league title? You haven't even got a manager yet, you've got players there who've never played three games in a week. The things that've got to come over the next year or two... Your best player (Bruno Fernandes) will be 33!"