Michael Owen Questions Liverpool’s Credentials
Michael Owen has delivered a pointed verdict on Liverpool’s hopes of challenging for the Premier League title next season, backing Manchester United ahead of his former club in a prediction that is already stirring debate across English football.
With Arsenal finally ending their long wait for the title and Manchester City entering a new era after Pep Guardiola’s departure, attention has swiftly shifted towards the shape of the next campaign. Speaking to Metro, Owen named only three sides capable of leading the title race and Liverpool were notably absent from his shortlist.
Instead, the former England striker believes Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United will set the pace in 2026/27.
“I think a challenge next season is only going to come from Manchester,” Owen said.
That statement alone landed heavily on Merseyside, particularly given Owen’s long association with Liverpool. Yet it was his further assessment of Arne Slot’s side that sharpened the feeling of a clear snub.
“Liverpool will hope to challenge, but they need to get everything right to do so and I’m not sure they are there just yet.”
For many Liverpool supporters, those comments will feel harsh after another season of progression under Slot. Still, Owen’s remarks underline a growing belief among some observers that Liverpool remain slightly short of the consistency needed to reclaim the title.
Manchester United Return to the Conversation
The more surprising element of Owen’s prediction centred on Manchester United, who he believes are genuine contenders again under Michael Carrick.
United have enjoyed a sharp revival since Carrick took permanent control following Ruben Amorim’s departure earlier in the campaign. A third-place finish has restored optimism at Old Trafford and Owen believes the momentum is significant enough to launch a proper title challenge.
“It’s been a while but Manchester United can be a title contender under Michael Carrick,” Owen explained.
“You look at their form since he arrived and it’s definitely one of a title contender.”
That is a sizeable statement considering the turbulence Manchester United have endured in recent years. Yet Carrick has brought calmness, tactical balance and renewed confidence to a squad that had looked fractured not long ago.
There is also a growing sense that United’s recruitment strategy is beginning to align with a longer-term vision rather than short-term panic buying. If that continues during the summer window, Owen’s prediction may not appear quite so bold by the time August arrives.
For Liverpool, however, the comparison will sting. Watching Manchester United regain credibility while questions remain around Anfield’s title credentials creates a narrative few supporters on Merseyside will welcome.
Manchester City Enter New Era
Manchester City remain firmly in Owen’s thinking despite the looming departure of Guardiola. After a decade of dominance at the Etihad, the Spaniard’s exit represents one of the biggest changes English football has seen in years.
Even so, Owen believes City’s structure and squad depth will keep them firmly in contention.
“I think Man City will be strong, even if Pep leaves,” he said.
“They ran Arsenal very close this season and have a good group of young players who have shown will be in a title race next season and with two domestic cups, they will come back stronger.”
City are reportedly moving towards appointing Enzo Maresca as Guardiola’s successor, with significant transfer activity expected to follow. The challenge for any new manager will be maintaining standards that have become almost impossible to sustain over such a long period.
Yet City’s culture of winning remains deeply embedded. Even amid transition, few rivals will view them as vulnerable.
Liverpool Face Defining Summer
For Liverpool, Owen’s comments increase scrutiny on what already feels like a defining summer. Slot has brought stability and flashes of exciting football, but the next step demands greater consistency across a full campaign.
Liverpool’s attack has often looked dangerous, while periods of midfield control have hinted at long-term promise. The issue has been maintaining that level week after week against elite opposition.
There is little doubt Liverpool remain one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Their supporters will also point to the fact that predictions made before a ball is kicked rarely decide anything once the season begins.
Still, hearing Michael Owen place Manchester United ahead of Liverpool in the title conversation will not sit comfortably with many inside Anfield.
Whether Owen’s verdict proves accurate or fuels Liverpool’s response next season now becomes one of the Premier League’s most intriguing storylines.
