Carragher Backs Liverpool Over United for Title Push, But Backs Arsenal and City as Favourites

Jamie Carragher has outlined why Liverpool hold the edge over Manchester United in the race for next season's Premier League crown, despite acknowledging that neither will trouble the top two.

United's second victory over Liverpool this campaign on Sunday pushed them closer to a third-place finish, extending their impressive run to ten wins from 14 matches under interim manager Michael Carrick—a man reportedly set to take the job permanently.

Yet Carragher remains unconvinced by their credentials for a genuine title tilt. Speaking on The Gary Neville podcast, the former Red argued that Liverpool possess superior foundations for a challenge, even if neither club will ultimately dethrone the established elite.

"I still think Liverpool are better-placed," Carragher explained. "We've seen Man United's best team out there today. Liverpool are three or four short there. They also have the players who have won before in terms of the biggest trophies."

The pundit drew a crucial distinction between United's current position and their actual strength. Finishing third masks a fundamental truth: their lack of European commitments and early cup exits have inflated their win tally artificially.

"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," he said. "That can fool you. Man United will finish third this season but I don't think for a minute they're the third-best team in the Premier League."

When Liverpool's injured contingent returns to full fitness, Carragher believes they'll be positioned to challenge more convincingly than their rivals, particularly given their experience in winning major honours.

However, both Carragher and Neville agree on one point: Arsenal and Manchester City remain the likeliest champions next term.

Neville presented a different angle on United's prospects, suggesting the landscape could shift significantly depending on summer recruitment and managerial changes elsewhere.

"There's a couple of real unknowns—the managers and which club is going to recruit the best this summer," he noted. "Both are going to sign three or four. But how much money do the clubs have to spend on recruitment?"

The former United defender believes the title race could open up over the next couple of seasons, particularly if Pep Guardiola's tenure at City eventually ends.

"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 has to leave. And I don't think the other big clubs aren't quite right. There is a league title up for grabs over the next one to two years."