The former Liverpool defender who is now a pundit on British TV made the statement on Sky Sports on Monday night:
"I think four [teams can win the title]," he said.
"I don't think the Manchester clubs can.
"I think two or three games into the season we felt they were the two who would battle for the league."
United drew 1-1 with Liverpool at the weekend, while City suffered a humiliating 4-0 loss at Everton.