Liverpool, Man Utd & Man City EXCLUSIVE: Steve McManaman on what'll be a successful season

LIVERPOOL do not have to win a trophy for this season to be considered successful, Steve McManaman insists.

By Jack Staplehurst /

FA Cup GETTY

Liverpool, Man City and Man Utd are all hunting the FA Cup trophy after reaching round four

The Reds are out of the Carabao Cup and have no realistic chance of chasing down Manchester City in the title race.

Philippe Coutinho’s sale to Barcelona will hurt the team too, with no replacement in the transfer market imminent.

But former Reds wideman McManaman believes Liverpool can still enjoy a memorable campaign - even if it does not end with any silverware.

When asked if it is a failure for Liverpool not to win anything, McManaman exclusively told Starsport: “No I don’t think so, not when there are big teams spending so much money.

“We all think that Manchester City can walk away with the league.

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Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid) - Reports suggest Liverpool have made Ceballos one of their main transfer targets after the Spaniard fell out with boss Zinedine Zidane over a lack of game time GETTY
Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid) - Reports suggest Liverpool have made Ceballos one of their main transfer targets after the Spaniard fell out with boss Zinedine Zidane over a lack of game time

    “Man City are also favourites for the League Cup so the likes of Liverpool can only really win the cup or the Champions League and they should have a right good go for it.”

    Ultimately, though, Klopp needs to add to Liverpool’s trophy cabinet during his reign his charge.

    And the Reds are not the only Premier League giants under pressure.

    McManaman recognises Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United need to build on their treble last term, having won the Community Shield, Carabao Cup and Europa League in the manager's first year at the club.

    United, similarly to rivals Liverpool, only have the Champions League and FA Cup to focus on.

    “Mourinho wants to give his fans silverware after winning some trophies last season”

    Steve McManaman

    “It is important to give the fans silverware,” McManaman continued. “Liverpool need to win silverware at some point.

    “Manchester City and Manchester United will want to give their fans some silverware after the investment.

    “Mourinho wants to give his fans silverware after winning some trophies last season.”

    On his pick for the FA Cup this season, BT Sport pundit McManaman added: “Manchester City are the favourites.

    “The team he put out [against Burnley] was very impressive. Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker were on the bench and Zinchenko started but apart from that it is strong.

    Steve McManaman BT Sport

    Steve McManaman spoke to Starsport as BT Sport covered Norwich and Chelsea's 0-0 FA Cup draw
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    “I think the others should be focusing more now on the cup and the Champions League, of course.”

    City take on Bristol City at the Etihad tonight in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

    McManaman’s old club are still in the hunt for a sensational quadruple, but will be wary of Bristol City’s threat after they dumped out neighbours United in the quarter-finals.

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