Paul Merson says he would back Liverpool to complete above Manchester United within the Premier League next season ‘all day long’.
United finished just fifteenth last season, 14 places and 42 points behind Arne Slot’s Premier League champions Liverpool.
Liverpool have dropped off considerably this term, nevertheless, not only failing to retain the Premier League trophy but potentially missing out on a top-four finish.
Manchester United, in contrast, are on track for a third-place finish with three games remaining after completing a double over Liverpool with a 3-2 win at Old Trafford last week.
United’s form under interim boss Michael Carrick has even led to suggestions the Red Devils could compete for the Premier League title next season.
But Merson fully expects Liverpool to revive their dominance over arch-rivals Manchester United next season and believes a return to Europe could hurt United domestically.
‘Liverpool were shocking in the primary half against Manchester United last Sunday,’ Merson told Sportskeeda.
‘After they got here back into the sport and made it 2-2, I used to be expecting them to go on and win but they ended up losing the sport! I’m not frightened about Liverpool next season though, I believe they’ll be advantageous.
‘If someone asks me who amongst Manchester United and Liverpool will finish higher within the Premier League next season, I might actually back Arne Slot’s team all day long!
‘I say that because Manchester United have played just once every week this season, and that’s rather a lot easier in comparison with what Liverpool went through.
‘Allow us to undergo their players, Senne Lammens has been good, Benjamin Sesko is now finding some form, Bruno Fernandes incredible, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are shining under Michael Carrick, while Matheus Cunha has been excellent and Bryan Mbeumo has done alright.
‘Just have a look at Liverpool then again. The 2 centre-backs haven’t been ok, Milos Kerkez has been poor, they miss Trent and haven’t covered that position well enough.
‘Other than Dominik Szoboszlai, none of their midfielders have performed well, each Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had their very own issues and yet, in the event that they had beaten Manchester United, they might have been level on points!
‘That claims rather a lot and I consider Liverpool can finish above United next season.
‘Currently, there has also been noise around the dearth of intensity shown by this Liverpool team. But I’m not surprised by it because I consider lots of these players could have one eye on the World Cup.
‘None of them need to be injured and it is simply a natural response, especially when Liverpool don’t have anything to play for for the time being.’
Manchester United will hope to proceed their advantageous form on Saturday once they visit Sunderland, while Liverpool welcome struggling Chelsea to Anfield.
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