Manchester United have exceeded all expectations this season and it seems the Red Devils are already being underestimated by pundits for the next campaign.
With two Premier League matches remaining in 2025/26, Manchester United are on track to finish third in the table.
United were sixth when Ruben Amorim was sacked, so Michael Carrick deserves huge credit for the resurgence in form. But the reality is, even Amorim’s final position was above where most expected the Red Devils to be.
At the start of the season, pundits predicted United to finish 8th, so United have clearly exceeded expectations.
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Paul Merson’s Man Utd vs Liverpool prediction could backfire
At the start of the campaign, Liverpool were strong favourites to win the Premier League title, yet they are now close to finishing behind United in the table.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Paul Merson believes there is no chance that will happen again next season.
“Liverpool will finish above Man United next season. And that’s without knowing what happens this summer,” Merson said.
“Why? So many players have had good seasons for Man United and hardly anyone has for Liverpool, bar Szoboszlai.
“You go through Man Utd’s team and there’s six or seven players who have been above average this season.
“Isak will be fit, Wirtz will have a year in the league. I’m confident Liverpool will finish above Man Utd.
“A lot’s gone on at Liverpool. I do feel sorry for them with everything that’s gone on. They’ve had a lot of injuries too.”
After doing the DOUBLE over Liverpool for the first time in a decade, how confident are you United will do it again NEXT SEASON?
Man Utd are in ascendance, Liverpool are falling
Since Carrick’s appointment, no Premier League team has earned more points than Manchester United.
There was very hushed talk of United entering the title race this season, but it was far too late in the campaign to catch up to Arsenal or Manchester City.
But United are aiming to win the Premier League, and optimism and ambition will only grow after Ineos overhaul the midfield department this summer.
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United players are applying pressure for a big window, and that could set up Carrick and his squad for a title push.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are uncertain about Arne Slot and their fans have turned on players this season. After overspending and underperforming, they are under big pressure.
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