Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has backed Liverpool to finish above his former side in the Premier League this season. He said that the Red Devils have many issues at this point to compete with their rivals.
The Red Devils finished the 2023-24 season in eighth, their lowest-ever finish in the Premier League. They were a massive 39 points behind the Merseysiders, who finished third. With the new season set to start on Friday (August 16), Paul Scholes was asked on The Overlap which side he thinks will finish above. He answered (via TBR Football):
“I think we will struggle to do as well as Liverpool, as much as I would like it to be the other way around.
“Liverpool have a really good squad of players, they have settled, with one or two additions I think they could be a real threat. United have too many issues at this point to get anywhere near them.”
There have been some key differences for both sides after the last season though. The Merseysiders have parted ways with Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff after nine years. They have appointed Arne Slot as the new manager but are yet to make a single signing.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have made four signings so far. They brought in Leny Yoro from LOSC Lille but he’s picked up an injury. They’ve also signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and Matthijs de Light and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville debate Liverpool and Manchester United’s position in 2024-25 PL season
On the Stick To Football podcast, the panelists collectively predicted their top four for the 2024-25 Premier League season. They agreed that Manchester City and Arsenal make up the top two and then also backed Manchester United to finish in the top four. For the final pick, Gary Neville said that he wasn’t sure about Liverpool getting in.
Jamie Carragher then remarked (via HITC):
“Do you think Manchester United will get in, but Liverpool won’t?”
Neville answered:
“Maybe”
Carragher added:
“You say this every season without fail. Bookmark this.”
Gary Neville finished Tottenham Hotspur to finish fourth. However, due to the majority vote from the panelists, they backed the Merseysiders to finish in the top four.
Arne Slot’s side will start their campaign on Saturday (August 17) against away against newly promoted Ipswich Town. Manchester United, meanwhile, will host Fulham on Friday.
