Paul Merson doesn't mince words: he would back Liverpool to finish above Manchester United in the Premier League next season "all day long." The former Arsenal and England winger is doubling down on a bold prediction that flies in the face of this season's dramatic role reversal.
Let's set the stage. Last season, Manchester United finished a disastrous 15th—a staggering 42 points behind Arne Slot's runaway champions Liverpool. But this term, the script flipped. Liverpool tumbled, not only losing the title but now fighting just to scrape into the top four. United, meanwhile, have roared back under interim boss Michael Carrick, currently sitting third with a double over Liverpool still fresh in memory—a wild 3-2 win at Old Trafford.
That Carrick revival has sparked whispers of a title challenge next season. Merson isn't buying it. He sees a trap waiting for United—a trap called European football. "Liverpool were shocking in the first half against Manchester United," Merson admits, recalling that recent clash. "When they made it 2-2, I thought they'd win—but they lost! I'm not worried about Liverpool next season, though. They'll be fine."
Here's his real argument: "Manchester United have played only once a week this season, and that's a lot easier compared to what Liverpool went through." The grueling schedule of European competition, he insists, will test United's depth next year. "If someone asks me who finishes higher next season, I back Arne Slot's team all day long."
Merson breaks down the squads with surgical precision. United's key performers—Senne Lammens, Benjamin Sesko finding form, Bruno Fernandes brilliant, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo shining, Matheus Cunha excellent, Bryan Mbeumo solid—have thrived in a one-match-a-week rhythm. But Liverpool? "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."
He points to a damning midfield assessment: "Apart from Dominik Szoboszlai, none of their midfielders have performed well. Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had their own issues." Yet here's the kicker—"if they had beaten Manchester United, they would have been level on points! That says a lot. I believe Liverpool can finish above United next season."
As for the whispers about Liverpool's lost intensity? Merson sees a human factor at play. "Many of these players will have one eye on the World Cup. None of them want to be injured, especially when Liverpool have nothing to play for at the moment." It's a natural reaction, he says—not a permanent decline.
The stage is set. United travel to Sunderland this weekend, while Liverpool host a struggling Chelsea at Anfield. But Merson's verdict is clear: the Premier League hierarchy is about to flip back.
