‘It is a sobering day’: Man United icon Gary Neville admits Liverpool’s 20th league title will END the debate over who is England’s most successful club

Gary Neville has admitted that Liverpool’s imminent 20th league title will end the long-running debate over who is England’s most successful club, and says it is a ‘sobering’ and painful moment for everyone associated with Manchester United.

Liverpool are on the brink of being crowned Premier League champions, needing only to avoid defeat against Tottenham at Anfield to secure the trophy with four rounds of fixtures still to play.

Should they complete the job, it would be their second Premier League title but their 20th English top-flight championship overall, drawing them level with United.

While United still boast an equal number of domestic league titles, Liverpool’s superior European record, with six European Cups to United’s three, will decisively tip the balance, according to Neville.

Neville, who made 602 appearances for United during his playing career, also warned that Liverpool pulling level with his old team should act as a wake-up call for those in charge. 

Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s match, a downbeat Neville conceded: ‘You have to respect the team that have won the title, they have been the best team.

‘It is one of the great coaching performances we have seen, to come in and not get players, and still achieve this, you have to hand it to him.

‘But it is a sobering day.’

On the wider significance of Liverpool reaching 20 titles, Neville added: ‘It is a massive deal. When you think of the importance of a league title, the managers at Liverpool and United always talk about your bread and butter being the league. You could debate the most successful club when United were on 20.

‘Obviously Liverpool have more European Cups, but the painful thing to say is the debate is over for a period until United become successful again and win leagues.

‘It should cause real tremors at Old Trafford. Liverpool will be the most successful club after today, and that should cause heartache and pain.

‘It took a lot to get ahead of Liverpool, and now that will be gone.’

Daniel Sturridge also spoke about the emotional significance of the day for Liverpool fans, who were unable to celebrate their last title properly in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sturridge said: ‘This is a day they have all been dreaming of. Last time they did not get to celebrate, so to have the fans here and to feel the togetherness is what they want.’

On Sunday’s match itself, Jamie Redknapp insisted Liverpool would not settle for a cautious approach despite knowing that just a point would secure the title.

He added: ‘I do not feel this team will play for a draw, especially at home. It feels like it has something at the end of it.

‘They (titles) are hard to win and for Liverpool to do it in Slot’s first year is nothing short of phenomenal.’

Arne Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager last summer and has won 37 of his first 51 matches in charge.