MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville admits Liverpool's imminent 20th league title will end the long-running debate over who is England's most successful club.
The Reds and will seal the Premier League title if they avoid defeat with four games to go on manager Arne Slot's first season in charge.
If the Merseysiders pull it off then they will be lifting only their second Prem trophy, but will still be tying in overall English titles.
However, Neville, 50, concedes that ‘s European success – which has seen them win six trophies compared to Man Utd's three – will decisively tip the balance.
And the pundit, who amassed 600 appearances with the Red Devils during a successful 19-year career, warned his former club that their rivals' imminent celebrations “should cause real tremors”.
The ex-England international, who won eight Premier League titles and two trophies with United, argued his and fellow legends' work at Old Trafford is about to be overshadowed.
The former full-back admitted this is a “sobering day” for his beloved club but insists Liverpool have earned it and deserve respect.
told Sky Sports: “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.
“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.
“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. Because it took a lot to get ahead of Liverpool.”
Liverpool hero sang his former team's praises and explained the significance of the imminent celebrations.
The Reds won their sole Premier League title in 2020 but were unable to celebrate with the fans due to the coronavirus 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.”
