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Steven Gerrard has issued a heads-up to Liverpool, suggesting Manchester City will be its main contender for the Premier League crown next term, while downplaying Manchester United's chances of being in the mix.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Gerrard remarked: "It's the most difficult league in the world.

"Liverpool will be well aware that City are going to come back, Arsenal are looking stronger again, the likes of Chelsea are building nicely, Newcastle, Villa are coming in behind."

He further noted: "Liverpool will be well aware that they're going to be the ones that are hunted now.

Liverpool will be aiming to defend its Premier League title next season.

After a comeback that landed them third in the Premier League, Manchester City finished just three points behind second-placed Arsenal – making it the third consecutive occasion for the Gunners holding that spot.

City's aspirations for the title dwindled early on, but with Pep Guardiola committing to a fresh contract and their pivotal Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder Rodri returning after injury, they look set for another strong season ahead.

Gerrard issued a cautionary note: "I think you've got to be wary of City and Guardiola

"I think with a fully fit squad, and they're going to recruit as well, the team that finishes above City will win it again and hopefully, that's Liverpool."

Meanwhile, United stumbled to a 15th place finish in Ruben Amorim's inaugural season, and the disappointment in the Europa League final versus Tottenham is a harsh prelude to a European football-free year

A widespread revamp awaits them this summer, as they prepare to welcome Matheus Cunha.

Nevertheless, Amorim acknowledges that improvements are needed before they can truly vie for the Premier League crown: "We are not ready to play in the Premier League, be competitive, and to be in the Champions League," he conceded recently.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story
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