Paul Merson Backs Liverpool to Outpace Manchester United Next Season
The debate over which North West giant is better positioned for the future has reignited following a clash at Old Trafford. While Manchester United currently holds the upper hand in the league standings, pundit Paul Merson is convinced that Arne Slot’s Liverpool side will finish higher in the Premier League next season.
Merson’s prediction comes despite a season where Liverpool has struggled with consistency. However, he argues that the current table doesn’t tell the full story of the trajectory of these two clubs.
The ‘Schedule’ Factor: Why Merson Favors Liverpool
The core of Merson’s argument rests on the physical and mental toll of the current campaign. He suggests that Manchester United’s relative success this year is partly due to a significantly lighter workload.
According to Merson, Manchester United played only once a week for much of the season, a luxury that Liverpool didn’t have. He believes this disparity in fixture congestion makes United’s current form less indicative of their long-term strength compared to a Liverpool side that has had to grind through a much more demanding schedule.
Current State of Play: 2025/26 Review
Manchester United’s Rise Under Michael Carrick
Manchester United is currently on track to finish third in the Premier League, showing significant improvement under interim manager Michael Carrick. Merson highlighted several key contributors to this resurgence:
- The Midfield: Bruno Fernandes continues to be “incredible,” while Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are described as “shining” under Carrick’s guidance.
- New Impact: Benjamin Sesko is finding his form, and Senne Lammens has performed well.
- Attacking Threat: Matheus Cunha has been “excellent,” with Bryan Mbeumo also contributing positively.
Liverpool’s Path to the Champions League
Liverpool’s season has been a rollercoaster of inconsistency. Despite these struggles, the club remains competitive enough to secure Champions League qualification. A victory over Chelsea this coming weekend could officially confirm their spot in Europe’s elite competition.
However, it isn’t all positive for the Reds. Merson pointed out a glaring weakness in the squad, noting that the two center-backs haven’t been good enough to maintain the standards required for a title challenge.
Key Takeaways: Merson’s Analysis
| Feature | Manchester United | Liverpool |
|---|---|---|
| Predicted Next Season | Lower Finish | Higher Finish |
| Current Trend | Likely 3rd Place | Inconsistent / UCL Bound |
| Primary Strength | Strong Midfield & Form | Resilience under heavy schedule |
| Primary Weakness | Easier fixture load | Center-back instability |
As both clubs head toward the final stretch of the season and prepare for the summer transfer window, Merson’s confidence in Arne Slot suggests he believes the foundation at Anfield is stronger than the current league table indicates. Whether Liverpool can fix their defensive woes and United can maintain their form under a heavier schedule will be the defining story of the next campaign.