Manchester United icon Gary Neville acknowledges that Liverpool securing their 20th top-flight title will finally settle the debate over which is England`s most decorated club.
The Merseyside club claimed the Premier League crown after defeating Tottenham at Anfield in what was manager Arne Slot`s inaugural season.
While this is only their second Premier League triumph, it draws them level with Manchester United in the overall count of English league championships.
However, Neville (50) admitted that Liverpool`s superior record in European competitions – six trophies compared to United`s three – decisively tilts the historical balance in their favour.
The respected pundit, who made 600 appearances for the Red Devils during a successful 19-year playing career, warned his former club that their rivals` impending celebrations “should cause real tremors” at Old Trafford.
The ex-England international, an eight-time Premier League winner and two-time Champions League victor with United, suggested that the achievements of himself and other club legends at Old Trafford are now in danger of being surpassed.
Neville conceded that this moment represents a “sobering day” for the club he supports, but he stressed that Liverpool`s accomplishment is well-deserved and warrants respect.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville stated: “You have to show respect to the team that has won the title; they have undeniably been the best side this season.”
He continued, referring to Slot: “It stands out as one of the truly great coaching achievements we`ve witnessed, coming in, not being able to sign players, and still securing this title. You absolutely must give him credit for that. Despite that, for us, it`s a sobering day.”
“This is a profoundly significant event,” Neville remarked. “When you think about the inherent importance of a domestic league title – both Liverpool and United managers have always regarded the league as their fundamental priority, their `bread and butter`.”
“Granted, Liverpool possess more European Cups,” he noted, “but the hard reality is that the argument [over who is more successful] is now concluded for a period, at least until United can recapture their success and start winning leagues again.”
Neville concluded: “This success should truly send shockwaves through Old Trafford. Following today, Liverpool stands as the most successful club overall, and that fact should absolutely bring heartache and pain [to United fans]. Getting ahead of Liverpool in the first place took us immense effort.”
Former Liverpool player Daniel Sturridge, speaking before the title was secured, praised his old club and highlighted the importance of the forthcoming celebrations.
Although the Reds previously won the Premier League in 2020, pandemic restrictions prevented them from celebrating the triumph properly with their supporters.
Sturridge commented: “This is a moment everyone associated with the club has longed for. Their previous Premier League win in 2020 couldn`t be celebrated openly with the fans, so having the supporters present and experiencing this unity is exactly what they desired.”
