Ex-Premier League fullback Patrice Evra thinks Liverpool's future may actually be brighter than his former club Manchester United amid the Reds' poor league form
19:09, 18 May 2026
Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra is bullish on Liverpool's future(Image: Getty Images)
For the first time since 2023, Manchester United will finish ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League table. The Red Devils completed the league double over Liverpool this season, a first for the historic club since 2015/16.
Manchester United — in strong form under interim coach Michael Carrick — has not captured the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson was still in charge of the club back in 2013. Patrice Evra was his starting left-back on that team, and the French international gave a surprising prediction about his former team when asked by Liverpool.com.
The five-time Premier League winner was asked in March — at the time, United sat at 51 points in 29 games, with Liverpool on 47 through 20 — about which side he thinks will next capture a league title.
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"This is a tough question," the 45-year-old exclusively told Liverpool.com on behalf of Stake. "I'm sure Liverpool will buy more players or change the manager in the summer. I think Liverpool [is] closer to winning a league title than Man United next year. I think the quality players they have will give them the edge."
Things have changed since Evra gave his prediction. United has since earned 17 points in eight games, while Liverpool has slumped to just 12 in eight contests.
Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra last played for Manchester United since 2014(Image: Getty Images)
Additionally, the Reds have lost striker Hugo Ekitike to a long-term injury, watched fellow forward Alexander Isak struggle to return from ankle surgery, and most importantly, committed to keeping beleaguered manager Arne Slot for another season.
Manchester United decided to ink interim manager Michael Carrick to a long-term deal. His Red Devils side has solidified itself as a top-four team and could strengthen further in the summer.
Patrice Evra
Manchester United has not won the Premier League since Alex Ferguson was in charge(Image: Getty Images)
Evra hailed United's forwards. "I love what Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Amad Diallo, and other signings are doing for Man United, but I think Liverpool is still ahead," he added.
Liverpool may not have a ton of money to spend in the transfer window after splurging over $500 million on players, including Isak, Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and others.
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Manchester United was not penny-pinching in the 2025 summer window, either. Cunha, Mbuemo, Benjamin Sesko, and others cost over $300 milllion.
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Evra lined up 379 times for Manchester United from 2006 to 2014, winning five Premier League titles, a Champions League, three League Cups, and a Club World Cup. The 81-time capped Frenchman was named in three Premier League Team of the Seasons with the Red Devils.