Jamie Carragher believes there is a reason why Manchester United have never dominated European football like Liverpool have.
The Reds have three more European Cups than their arch-rivals, after claiming number six against Tottenham in Madrid last season.
While the last time United tasted European success was back in 2009, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side beating Chelsea on penalties in Moscow.
But Carragher, speaking ahead of the showdown between the two this weekend, believes United’s influence over referees didn’t stretch from the Premier League to the European stage.
“This is a thing when talking about European Cups and Champions League finals,” the former defender told Sky Sports.
“Why have Manchester United never dominated in Europe? It is because you don’t have influence over referees like you did in England under Ferguson.
“100 percent. If you think of the great clubs in Europe they had an era of domination. AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Ajax, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
“Why not you? Because the influence on referees does not go from the Premier League (to Europe).”
The Bootle-born Kop icon also clashed with fellow pundit Gary Neville over which of their former clubs has produced the best European Cup final comeback.
Neville was part of the Manchester United side that stunned Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou in 1999 with two late goals handing them a 2-1 win in the Spanish city.
While Carragher was part of the Liverpool side that came from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul in 2005.
“It has got to be ours. 1-0 down with a minute to go in injury time,” Neville replied when asked what comeback was better.
Before Carragher quickly hit-back: “Nothing will ever beat Istanbul. It is still talked about now. All over the world everywhere you go.
“It got voted the most famous game.”
Liverpool face Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
