Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have engaged in a heated debate over Manchester United's chances of winning the Premier League title, following United's 3-2 victory against Liverpool. The win put United six points clear of the soon-to-be former champions, sparking a row between the two pundits.
Carragher Dismisses United's Title Hopes
Jamie Carragher dismissed Manchester United's prospects of clinching the Premier League crown in the next two seasons, cautioning Gary Neville not to be 'kidded' by their form under interim manager Michael Carrick. United's victory over Liverpool gave Carrick his ninth win in 13 games, while Arne Slot's side are likely to finish fourth after a dominant campaign last season.
Reflecting on the contrasting fortunes, Neville suggested United are not far from their first title since 2013, despite lacking a permanent manager. 'There's a couple of real unknowns; the managers and which club is going to recruit the best this summer,' Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast. 'Both are going to sign three or four. But how much money do the clubs have to spend? I do think the league could be up for grabs over the next couple of years, and I think Manchester United could be in a position to exploit that.'
Neville added: 'At some point, Pep Guardiola has to leave Manchester City. And I don't think the other big clubs are quite right. There is a league title up for grabs over the next one to two years.'
Carragher's Counterargument
Carragher, however, argued that United are in a 'false economy' due to playing far fewer fixtures than Liverpool this season, a factor that will change next term after United qualified for the Champions League. 'I still think Liverpool are better-placed, and the reason I say that is we've seen Man United's best team out there today,' the Liverpool legend said. 'Liverpool are three or four short. They also have players who have won before 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.'
Carragher continued: 'There's a false economy with Manchester United when they haven't played any European football and they went out in the first round of both cup competitions. Now that can fool you. Man United will finish third this season, but I don't think for a minute believe they're the third-best team in the Premier League. I still think Liverpool are in a better position in terms of the squad when the injured players get back and having those players that have won trophies before.'
Debate Continues in the Studio
The row resumed when the pair entered the Sky studio at Old Trafford, although it ended with a gentlemanly handshake. Neville said: 'Liverpool have to build a new team that won't have won the titles that they've won before. Liverpool's recruitment is gonna have to be good—and it has been good in the past—and the manager's gonna have to settle down next season.'
Raising his arms as Carragher attempted to respond, Neville added: 'Do you know something? We've beat them twice this season, we've finished above them in the league, and he's still sat there saying Liverpool are better! What more can United do?'
An exasperated Carragher replied: 'Don't get kidded about United finishing third; you've had no European football, no cup competitions. You've done really well this season in terms of where you've ended up, but don't get kidded by it! How can you say you think Manchester United in the next year or two could win the league title? You haven't even got a manager yet, you've got players there who've never played three games in a week. The things that've got to come over the next year or two... Your best player (Bruno Fernandes) will be 33!'
