Paul Merson makes Man Utd and Liverpool Premier League claim | Football

Paul Merson says he would back Liverpool to finish above Manchester United in the Premier League next season ‘all day long’.

United finished just 15th last season, 14 places and 42 points behind Arne Slot’s Premier League champions Liverpool.

Liverpool have dropped off considerably this term, however, not only failing to retain the Premier League trophy but potentially missing out on a top-four finish.

Manchester United, in contrast, are on course 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 restore their dominance over arch-rivals Manchester United next season and believes a return to Europe could hurt United domestically.

‘Liverpool were shocking in the first half against Manchester United last Sunday,’ Merson told Sportskeeda.

‘When they came back into the game and made it 2-2, I was expecting them to go on and win but they ended up losing the game! I’m not worried about Liverpool next season though, I think they’ll be fine.

‘If someone asks me who among Manchester United and Liverpool will finish higher in the Premier League next season, I would actually back Arne Slot’s team all day long!

‘I say that because Manchester United have played only once a week this season, and that’s a lot easier compared to what Liverpool went through.

‘Let us go through 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 look at Liverpool on the other hand. The two centre-backs haven’t been good enough, Milos Kerkez has been poor, they miss Trent and haven’t covered that position well enough.

‘Apart from Dominik Szoboszlai, none of their midfielders have performed well, both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had their own issues and yet, if they had beaten Manchester United, they would have been level on points!

‘That says a lot and I believe Liverpool can finish above United next season.

‘Lately, there has also been noise around the lack of intensity shown by this Liverpool team. But I’m not surprised by it because I believe many of these players will have one eye on the World Cup.

‘None of them want to be injured and it is only a natural reaction, especially when Liverpool have nothing to play for at the moment.’

Manchester United will hope to continue their fine form on Saturday when they visit Sunderland, while Liverpool welcome struggling Chelsea to Anfield.

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