Update: Gary Neville got it badly wrong with bold claim with Manchester United set to do something no-one predicted News

Gary Neville fancied Man United’s chances of finishing above Liverpool when the season started.

As the red ribbons are cut and placed on the Premier League trophy, Manchester United must be wondering when the fanfare will be for them again.

It’s now 12 years since the Reds lifted the title and they will end this campaign as far away as they have ever been from top spot in the Premier League era. Ruben Amorim’s men will finish in the bottom half of the table and will set unwanted records for their lowest ever Premier League finishing position and points total.

It will be the worst campaign at Old Trafford since the club were relegated to the second tier in 1974. While United could still reach 53 points if they were to reel off five straight wins to end the domestic season, the likelihood is they will finish 13th at best and there is a very real prospect of them ending the campaign in 17th with Tottenham, Wolves and West Ham all within two points of Amorim’s side.

It’s a far cry from the start of the campaign when United, buoyed by beating Manchester City to lift the FA Cup at Wembley, had their sights set on challenging for the Champions League places. Erik ten Hag had kept his job and the Sky Sports pundits had United as top six challengers.

Gary Neville felt the Reds had a better midfield than Liverpool and felt they could finish third, while Jamie Carragher had them down for fifth. Both look wildly optimistic with the benefit of hindsight and both show just how stark United’s drop-off has been.

Neville, speaking about how United could potentially challenge Liverpool for a place as best of the rest behind his expected top two of Arsenal and Manchester City, said: “I think Liverpool have a better team than Manchester United, far better forwards. But I really do question whether that Liverpool midfield can stand up over the season. I think Manchester United have got more depth in midfield.”

Carragher added: “Manchester United have made some big mistakes in the past. They’re buying younger players now, but let’s not make out this is revolutionary. Sir Matt Busby was doing this in the ’60s! It’s not something special they should be lauded for. I think they’ll compete but miss out. I think Tottenham have the edge over them.”

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