Carragher: 'De Jong can be a difference-maker for Manchester United'

However, the

pundit admitted signing Frenkie de Jong would make a "huge difference" for

as they have won all three of their pre-season contests under Erik ten Hag.

Asked whether he feared united could rival his beloved childhood club, Liverpool,

Carragher

said:

"I wouldn't say [I'm] nervous.

"I think there's a long road for United that they're on at the moment in terms of challenging for the title.

"I think the first thing when it comes to Ten Hag and the players they're bringing in will be, 'we need to get this club back in the Champions League, where it belongs'. That's where Manchester United should be.

"They're one of the biggest clubs in the world, never mind this country, so to not be in the Champions League just doesn't feel right, not when United are in the Europa League.

"So I think that's the first thing and I think once United do that, then it'll be looking at the title in the next couple of years.

"But it won't be easy to get back in the top four this season – not just for United but for any team who are normally in the top four.

"You'd expect [Manchester] City and Liverpool to do it because they're always going for the title, but you look at how strong Chelsea will be and the signings they're bringing in, Tottenham's work as well, Arsenal also.

"So I think competitively now in terms of getting in the top four, it's really tough, and it's proven that way for a lot of Manchester United managers with great CVs in the past.

"But there's no doubt this manager has a really good CV and they made a really good start in pre-season."

Although the

president Joan Laporta has repeatedly claimed the Catalan giants do not need to sell the 25-year-old, Carragher believes De Jong would make a huge impact if he joins Manchester United.

"It'll be interesting if they get De Jong,"

he added. "

I do think he's a top-class player and I think he would make a huge difference for them."

United continues their preseason tour with fixtures against Spanish duo Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano after another friendly game against Aston Villa on Saturday.

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