'Got a bit more': Gary Neville says three Liverpool players he has big doubts over and makes Man United claim

After their respective opening weekend wins in the Premier League, both Liverpool and Manchester United will feel as if they are in good shape to finish in the top four this season.

Perhaps Arne Slot is aiming a little higher during his debut campaign in England, he might even be hoping to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal at the top.

However, the Dutchman hasn’t recruited the number six he needs as of yet, an absence which could cause an issue as the season goes on.

In terms of Man United, Erik ten Hag’s side remain something of an unknown quantity this season – can the addition of the likes of Noussair Mazraoui help their consistency? 

Only time will tell, but when speaking on Monday Night Football, Gary Neville definitely thought that United now have the edge over Liverpool in one regard.

Neville was speaking with Jamie Carragher and declared that Liverpool do have a better squad overall, but he now believes that United’s midfield is superior.

Gary Neville has concerns regarding Dominik Szoboszlai and two others at Liverpool

Carragher rejected Neville’s claim, saying that United’s midfield was their biggest weakness last season.

But Neville then pointed out what an unbelievable job Jurgen Klopp did with the likes of Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister last season, one Slot may struggle to repeat.

Neville said: “I wouldn’t say they are superior in any particular area, I think Liverpool have a better team than Man United.

“But I think Man United have got – Liverpool have far better forwards. I think in midfield, if I look at Man United’s midfield and you had equal coaches, and we don’t know what Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot are going to match up like, I do think Liverpool with – Endo, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister – they have done unbelievably well to get the performance levels they have under those three under Jurgen Klopp.

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“I really do question if that midfield is going to stand up throughout the season. If it does again, I take my hat off to them, well done. Proven me wrong. I think Man United have got more in midfield. I think they have more depth, good players in there.

Carragher replied: “That was Man United’s biggest problem last year, the hole in the middle of the pitch!”

Neville: “It was the structure of the midfield. Kobbie Mainoo is coming into that now alongside Casemiro.

“[Bruno] Fernandes is in there. Mason Mount is in there, [Scott] McTominay is there. They have more depth in there.”

Liverpool can’t end the transfer window without a Martin Zubimendi alternative

As previously mentioned, it still would appear a little premature to rule Liverpool out of a title challenge this season.

However, if the August transfer window slams shut and Liverpool haven’t found a Martin Zubimendi alternative then Slot can likely wave those ambitions goodbye for this season at least.

It’ll divide opinion if Manchester United do actually have a better midfielder than Liverpool right now, but it’s easy to conclude that Ten Hag’s is more balanced.

Despite the criticism he receives, Liverpool would even benefit from someone like Casemiro making the switch to Anfield, they’re simply crying out for someone to finally replace Fabinho.