Paul Merson has made a Liverpool and Manchester United comparison that goes against the excitement that Gary Neville has felt since last weekend's game between the pair
08:49, 08 May 2026
Paul Merson and Gary Neville.
Paul Merson and Gary Neville.(Image: Getty Images)
Paul Merson says Liverpool will finish above Manchester United in the Premier League next season — pointing to last weekend's meeting between the sides at Old Trafford as proof.
This year, Arne Slot's side has struggled for consistency, though it will still qualify for the Champions League. That could be confirmed this weekend with a win over Chelsea.
And Merson says that even though Manchester United is likely to finish third this season, that doesn't tell the full story of where the two North West giants find themselves at the moment.
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"If someone asks me who among Manchester United and Liverpool will finish higher in the Premier League next season, I would actually back Arne Slot’s team all day long," Merson told Sportskeeda.
"I say that because Manchester United have played only once a week this season, and that’s a lot easier compared to what Liverpool went through.
"Let us go through their players. Senne Lammens has been good, and Benjamin Sesko is now finding some form.
Arne Slot, head coach of Liverpool, and Michael Carrick, interim manager of Manchester United.
Arne Slot, head coach of Liverpool, and Michael Carrick, interim manager of Manchester United.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"Bruno Fernandes is incredible, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are shining under Michael Carrick, while Matheus Cunha has been excellent, and Bryan Mbeumo has done alright.
"Just look at Liverpool, on the other hand. The two center-backs haven’t been good enough. Milos Kerkez has been poor, and they miss Trent Alexander-Arnold, and haven’t covered that position well enough.
"Apart from Dominik Szoboszlai, none of their midfielders have performed well, and both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had their own issues.
"And yet, if they had beaten Manchester United, they would have been level on points! That says a lot, and I believe Liverpool can finish above United next season."
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Manchester United finishes the season with games against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton. Liverpool has Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford.
Liverpool.com says: Merson is right about the Reds. Though it might not feel like it now, they are not that far off the teams above them, considering how bad they have been for much of this campaign.
That is not to say that a big summer doesn't lie ahead — it clearly does. But, get it right and Liverpool will quickly head in the right direction once again.
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Gary Neville suggested in the aftermath of Manchester United beating Liverpool that Michael Carrick's men could win the league title within the next couple of years. As Jamie Carragher pointed out with a smile, however, it doesn't even have a permanent manager right now.