Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp criticises Manchester United over two transfers
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Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was approached by Man Utd (Picture: Getty) Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has explained why he rejected an approach from Manchester United and criticised the club’s decision to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba. Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool in 2024 (Picture: Getty) ‘In the year when Sir Alex retired, they spoke to me,’ Klopp said on The Diary of a CEO podcast. ‘Of course, they were interested at one point. ‘At that time, I would have been interested, I was young – I had a sensational team at Dortmund.
They wanted a new manager and I was one of a few options I think.’ Asked if he rejected Manchester United or they decided to go in a different direction, Klopp added: ‘There were some things in the conversations that I didn’t like. Discussing those questionable moves, Klopp said: ‘I didn’t want to bring back Pogba, he was a sensational player but these things don’t work usually. ‘Or Cristiano, we all know he’s the best player, together with [Lionel[ Messi, in the world but bringing back never helps. ‘In 2013, it was not about Cristiano, maybe about Paul, I’m not even sure, but the idea is we bring the best players together and then let’s go.’ Klopp was not sold by Manchester United but was excited by the ‘pure football project’ he was able to take over at Liverpool in 2016. ‘Then, a pure football project comes up with Liverpool,’ he continued. ‘And a sensational talk with [Liverpool co-owner] Mike Gordon.
Asked if he has any theories on why United have struggled, Klopp said: ‘I didn’t think for a second since I joined Liverpool about what Man United did right or wrong. ‘At that moment, I buy into Liverpool and you become our “opponent”, one that is more fun to beat than others. It was United’s first win at Anfield in nine years – and their first time they have won back-to-back league games under Amorim – and inflicted a fourth straight defeat on struggling Liverpool. ‘It’s such a huge win for the manager,’ Old Trafford legend Rooney said on his BBC podcast. ‘I’ve questioned decisions, I’ve questioned tactics, I’ve questioned players’ desire over this season and last season. ‘That win is massive.