Gary Neville has admitted that he cannot separate Manchester United and Liverpool when asked who would finish higher in the Premier League this term.
Speaking on Sky Sports, as relayed by the Manchester Evening News, former defender turned pundit Gary Neville has claimed that he is finding it impossible to pick who among Manchester United and Liverpool will finish higher in the Premier League in the 2021/22 season.
Manchester United made a stunning start to the new Premier League season as they hammered arch-rivals Leeds United 5-1 at Old Trafford. However, rivals Liverpool were not one to be left behind as they too began the new campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Norwich City away at Carrow Road.
While the two traditional rivals picked up impressive victories, reigning Premier League champions Manchester City fell to a shock 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, another potential contender for the title, Chelsea also made an auspicious start by getting a solid win over London rivals Crystal Palace in a derby duel.
While we are just one matchday into the season, predictions over who will finish where once the campaign ends in May are already being made. And, Neville, while on punditry duty with Sky Sports after the opening matchday, was asked who he thought would secure a higher finish in the league table between Manchester United and Liverpool this term.
Manchester United had come out on top of their arch-rivals last term, finishing second in the standings, while Liverpool just about managed to clinch a third-place finish, which was commendable considering that they looked down and out of the top-four race.
Neville, heading into the new season, believes that there is not much to separate between the two teams as things stand. “Honestly, I can’t separate them. You should say Liverpool because obviously what has happened over the last few years.
“Last season was a major blip for them. Van Dijk back, but I think Manchester United will be an improvement on last season. I alluded Liverpool will miss Wijnaldum and they do need a midfield player.”
Liverpool’s injury issues played a major part in their struggles last term. However, like Neville mentions, they have their full defensive contingent fit for the new campaign. But, at the same time, Manchester United have made two top moves by signing Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane this summer. And with Paul Pogba also looking likely to stay put, they could be a force to be reckoned with.
