“You are saying that to get headlines” - Carragher calls out Gary Neville after discussing where Manchester United, Liverpool will finish this season
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher took a subtle dig at his Manchester United counterpart Gary Neville for his predictions about the two clubs' Premier League finishes this season.
The Red Devils are coming off their worst-ever Premier League season, finishing eighth, but have made some off-season signings. Meanwhile, Liverpool have been quiet in the transfer market, yet to make a signing following new boss Arne Slot's arrival.
On the Stick to Football podcast (via HITC), Neville predicted United to finish in the top-four but cast doubts about the Reds' chances:
“The top four will look like, we have to go Arsenal and Manchester City because we all collectively agree. I do (agree about Manchester United getting in the top four). I am not sure (on Liverpool getting top four).”
Carragher responded:
“Do you think Manchester United will get in, but Liverpool won’t. You say this every season without fail. Bookmark this.”
Neville added:
“Every season, yeah. I am quite often wrong as well. It gets played back during the season, it’s quite enjoyable – I am going to go Tottenham – the surprise of the season, it can be anything. Surprise Liverpool don’t finish in the top six.”
Carragher replied:
“You are saying that to get headlines – if Man United don’t win their first two games everyone will be talking about Ten Hag’s position.”
Carragher's former team finished third in the league last season.
What's next for Manchester United and Liverpool?
Manchester United opened their 2024-25 season with an FA Community Shield loss to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at Wembley in London on Saturday (August 10).
Alejandro Garnacho put the Red Devils in front after 82 minutes before Bernardo Silva's 89th-minute equaliser forced penalties. In the ensuing shootout, Erik ten Hag's side squandered a 3-1 lead to lose 7-6.
However, they have to put that defeat behind them as they open their new Premier League campaign at home to Fulham on Friday (August 16). Ten Hag's side lost the reverse fixture 2-1 to the Cottagers last season but won 1-0 away.
Meanwhile, the Reds kick off the Arne Slot era in right earnest with a trip to newly promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday (August 17). The Tractor Boys made history last season by becoming only the fifth English team - first in 12 years - to earn back-to-back promotions, finishing only behind Championship winners Leicester City.