‘Prove me wrong’ - Gary Neville shares why Man Utd will finish above Liverpool this season

Manchester United finished a lowly eighth in the Premier League last season, securing 60 points from 38 matches. 

But they still qualified for the Europa League as they beat Manchester City at Wembley to win the FA Cup. 

The 2024-25 season has started, and famous pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have revealed their predictions for the new campaign.

The two differed on their title winners as well as the top-four finishers. Carragher backed City to retain the title but Neville believed Arsenal would end Pep Guardiola’s dominance. 

Their predictions were particularly interesting about their former clubs. Carragher picked Liverpool to finish third and completely left out Manchester United from the Champions League places. 

However, Neville felt his former club are good enough to finish third in the league and he backed Liverpool to end up in fifth.  

He told Sky Sports: “If I look at Manchester United’s midfield players, if you add I think equal coaches, and we don’t know what Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot are going to match up like.

“I do think Liverpool, with Endo, Szoboszlai and MacAllister that they’ve done unbelievably well to get the performance levels out of those three that they have, Jurgen Klopp. 

“I really do question that that midfield is going to stand up throughout the season and if it does again I take my hat off to them. Well done. Unbelievable. Prove me wrong.

“I think Manchester United have got more in midfield. I think they’ve got more depth, and they’ve got good players in there.

“Kobbie Mainoo, who’s coming into that now, alongside Casemiro, Fernandes is in there, Mason Mount’s in there. McTominay is in there.”

He also added: “My view would be the impact of Klopp will take its toll.”

Manchester United began their new season with a 1-0 victory over Fulham on Friday. 

The Red Devils were not entirely convincing but there were a lot of positives to take for the home side. 

Newcomer Joshua Zirkzee made an immediate impact as he came off the bench to score the winner in the 87th minute. 

Noussair Mazraoui also impressed with his performance while Matthijs de Ligt took to the pitch for the final 10 minutes. 

Erik ten Hag’s side are expected to get better over the coming weeks as new signings adapt to the English league and a few new faces also arrive at Old Trafford. 

But a top-four finish is expected to be very difficult for Manchester United with many clubs competing for the four spots.