Paul Merson has dismissed concerns about Liverpool's title credentials following their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, backing Arne Slot's side to finish higher than their bitter rivals in next season's Premier League race. Despite United's current six-point advantage, Merson believes the Red Devils are operating in unusually favourable circumstances that will not persist.
The Sky Sports pundit agrees with Jamie Carragher's assessment that United's strong campaign has been artificially boosted by a fixture congestion advantage. Playing only once per week after early eliminations from domestic cups and no European football commitments has allowed Michael Carrick's side to recover between matches far more effectively than Liverpool, who have juggled multiple competitions. "Manchester United have played only once a week this season, and that's a lot easier compared to what Liverpool went through," Merson explained.
Tactical Imbalance and Squad Depth
Merson highlighted the contrasting states of both squads despite the league table suggesting otherwise. Liverpool's defensive frailties at centre-back and the inadequate replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold have created problems, while midfield consistency outside Dominik Szoboszlai has wavered. Yet he points to a remarkable stat: Liverpool trailed only on goal difference before losing last weekend, meaning they were competitive despite these acknowledged weaknesses. "That says a lot," Merson noted, emphasizing Liverpool's resilience under pressure.
In contrast, United have benefited from breakthrough performances across their squad, with Bruno Fernandes continuing his world-class output and young talent like Kobbie Mainoo developing rapidly. However, Merson argues these advantages evaporate when Liverpool return to full European competition and fixture congestion normalizes the playing field in 2025-26. The intensity required by dual competitions typically separates genuine title contenders from those merely performing well in a compressed schedule.
Recent questions about Liverpool's intensity levels are understandable given their sluggish opening periods, but Merson suggests fatigue and fixture scheduling—rather than fundamental decline—explain such displays. As the campaign progresses and United face the additional demands of European football, Liverpool's deeper squad and tactical sophistication under Slot should emerge as decisive factors in determining next season's Premier League standings.
