Nicky Butt: Man United have gone past Liverpool football-wise

Former Man United midfielder Nicky Butt believes his old club have overtaken Liverpool on the pitch. "United have gone past Liverpool football-wise," he said.

"Liverpool have a big job on their hands in the summer with recruitment. Their midfield looks ageing. Their best players aren't performing and don't look the same.

"Jurgen Klopp is great and I think he will get the right players in, so they could come back next season but United have overtaken them on the pitch, which is great credit to Ten Hag. He seems to have it all sorted out.

"He knows what he wants and has the respect of people above him to let him make decisions.

"They could even go in the back door and win the league because City are hiccupping every two minutes and while I actually think Arsenal will last the distance, they could slip off.

"But I wouldn't say United are back. Not a chance. If you look at the fundamentals of the club, United are behind Liverpool. The recruitment team has a big job on its hands to get to the next level. Being fourth is not Manchester United.

"I remember we used to finish second and were told if it happened again the next season we would be sold. Sold!

"You can say it's the old days but that was the mentality of the club back then. if you were going to finish second you may as well finish seventh."

Butt was part of the famous 'Class of 92' that emerged through United's academy to reach the very highest levels of the game. He won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League.

United have already picked a silverware this season. They are in contention for three more including the Premier League.