Manchester United beat Liverpool 3-2 to move six points clear of the soon-to-be former Premier League champions and spark a debate over who will win the title next.
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have argued over Manchester United’s progress (Image: Sky Sports)
Jamie Carragher has ruled out Manchester United’s chances of winning the Premier League title in the next two seasons, telling Gary Neville to “not make fun of” his side’s run of form under Michael Carrick.
On Sunday, United defeated reigning champions Liverpool 3-2, giving Carrick his ninth win in his 13th game as caretaker manager. Meanwhile, Arne Slott’s side are unable to build on their previous dominant campaign and are likely to finish fourth.
Neville reflected on the contrasting fortunes of both teams and suggested United are not far from winning their first title since 2013, despite not having a permanent manager. “There are some real unknowns – the managers and which clubs are going to make the best recruits this summer,” the former United captain began on the Sky Sports podcast.
“Both sides are looking to sign three or four players, but how much money are each club spending on reinforcements? I think the league could move towards signings over the next few years and I think Manchester United are in a position to take advantage of that.”
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“At some point Pep (Guardiola) has to leave (Manchester City) and I don’t think other big clubs are completely right, trying to win the league title in the next year or two.”
Meanwhile, Carragher believes United have played far fewer games than Liverpool this season and are in a “false economy”, but that could change if they qualify for the Champions League next season. “I still think Liverpool are in a better position and the reason I say that is because today we saw the best team in Man United,” said the Anfield legend.
“Liverpool are missing three out of four. They have some players who have won in the past 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.”
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Michael Carrick changed Manchester United’s fortunes (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
“There’s a false economy where Manchester United don’t play football in Europe and they’re both eliminated in the first round of cup competitions. That can fool you.
“Man United will finish third this season, but I don’t think for one second that they are the third best team in the Premier League. I still think Liverpool are in a better position in terms of their squad, with injured players coming back and players who have won trophies before.”
Their argument resumed as they entered Sky Studios at Old Trafford, but ended with a gentlemanly handshake. Neville continued: “[Liverpool]have to build a new team that hasn’t won the titles they’ve won before. Liverpool’s recruitment has to be good, they’ve been good in the past and the manager will need to settle down for next season.”
Arne Slott under pressure for Liverpool (Image: Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)
As Carragher was about to reply, Neville threw up his arm and added: “You know what? We’ve beaten them twice this season, finished above them in the league, and he’s still sitting there saying ‘Liverpool are better’! What more can United do?”
Carragher was furious and replied: “Don’t make a joke about United finishing third, they haven’t played a European competition or a cup. We’ve done very well this season in terms of finishing, but don’t make a joke about it!”
“How can you say Manchester United will win the league title in the next year or two? We still don’t have a manager and we have players who have never played three games in a week. Something has to happen in the next year or two… Your best player (Bruno Fernandes) will be 33!”
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