Gary Neville’s comparison of Manchester United and Liverpool on Sky Sports’ Monday night football surprised Jamie Carragher. Both United and the Reds started their new seasons on a high note, defeating Fulham and newly relegated Ipswich Town. Following Leicester City’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday Night Football, the well-known punditry duo discussed the forecasts for the 2024-25 season. While Jamie Carragher predicted that Liverpool will complete third, two places ahead of the Red Devils, Neville believes that his former club will finish inside of the final four, with the Reds just missing out in fifth. When asked for the basis for his prediction, Neville had trouble answering Create one up. His reaction shocked Carragher.
Presenter Dave Jones asked the former United captain which areas of the pitch Man United outperformed Liverpool in.
After some thought, Neville answered, ‘I wouldn’t say they were superior in any single area. Liverpool, I believe, has a superior team than Manchester United. Liverpool has substantially better forwards, and that is what they have. However, after collecting his thoughts, Neville recognized his reasoning. “I think in midfield,” he replied. ‘If I look at Manchester United’s midfield players, with equal mentoring – and we don’t know where Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot will measure up. “I think Liverpool, with [Wataru] Endo, [Dominik] Szoboszlai, and [Alexis] Mac Allister, They’ve done incredible well to get the performance levels out of those three with Jurgen Klopp.’I’m not sure if the midfield three will be able to hold up throughout the season. If it happens again, I’ll tip my cap to them: “Well done, unbelievable, you’ve proven me wrong.”I believe Manchester United have greater midfield depth and good players.
Carragher was perplexed by Neville’s proposal and chose to proceed with his thoughts. ‘That was Manchester United’s biggest problem last year in midfield,’ he said. Neville answered quickly, saying, “It was the midfield structure.” Kobbie Mainoo has embraced Casemiro in the midfield. [Bruno] Fernandes, Mason Mount, McTominay – they’ve got a total of five in there, I believe. Carragher couldn’t believe what Nevill was saying, so he questioned, “How many are you going to play?” You have just placed six players there! Neville: ‘I stated they’ve got greater depth. Liverpool tried to improve the midfield area this summer when they signed Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. Nevertheless, the Spaniard turned down the Liverpool.
Arne Slot appears to be content with putting Ryan the player from Graven in the holding midfield role.
