WHO will finish higher, Manchester United or Liverpool?
The yearly debate between Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville resumed on Friday with the punditry duo wagering £5,000 on their respective clubs.
Ex-Man United defender Neville stated that whoever’s team finishes lower will have to make a £5,000 donation to charity.
The former right-back is still backing his beloved United to finish above their Merseyside rivals this season.
Addressing Roy Keane after the game, Neville said: “Roy, before the game me and Carragher had a £5,000 bet for charity.
“That Liverpool would finish above United and United would finish above Liverpool. Whoever obviously loses, it then goes to charity.”
But Keane – known for no nonsense punditry style – shot down any chance of him getting involved in the stake.
The former United captain replied: “Don’t get me involved in that bet.”
Before Neville then pressed: “Who do you think is going to win the bet though?”
“I think United,” Keane responded. But his comment prompted a fit of laughter from Carragher.
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Keane then clarified: “‘If United stay fit, their star players. Then they’ll do it.”
Erik ten Hag was presented with an injury crisis last season after his side struggled through 66 different cases, particularly to key defenders.
Liverpool, meanwhile, finished third in Jurgen Klopp‘s last season and will be guided by new boss Arne Slot – who has big shoes to fill.
Yet many pundits agree with Carragher that Liverpool will finish in the top four as they kickstart a new era at Anfield.
Keane previously told The Overlap podcast that Liverpool won’t finish in the Champions League qualification places, as they haven’t done any business in the transfer market.
The Reds missed out on signing their top No6 target, with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubiamendi rejecting the move last week.
Earlier on Friday, Ten Hag‘s side got their 2024-25 campaign underway, claiming a late 1-0 victory against Fulham.
New summer £36.6m signing Joshua Zirkzee guided a cross from Alejandro Garnacho to seal the win.
DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…
Andre Onana – 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro – 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount – 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo – 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5
