The contrast between the two teams’ managers could not be starker ahead of Sunday’s big clash at Anfield. Gary Neville was recently asked to name the best manager in the world today. “I would say Jurgen Klopp,” the former Manchester United defender told The Daily Ketchup podcast. “Jurgen Klopp works with a much smaller budget than Pep Guardiola. Pep Guardiola is a genius. He will be remembered forever.” “But Jurgen Klopp is the perfect manager for me. If I had to tell you which manager I would bring to Manchester United tomorrow, it would be Jurgen Klopp.” These words from Neville were both high praise for the Liverpool manager and an indictment of the current manager at Old Trafford.
Of course, Neville has repeatedly said United’s main problem is the owners, not the manager, proving the club is falling apart from top to bottom. That’s why the retired right-back has a lot of sympathy for Ten Haag, who suffer from many of the same problems as their predecessors. The former Ajax manager even admitted that many had warned him against a move to Manchester as they believed it would be “impossible” to bring United back.
But as the Red Devils and Liverpool prepare to meet in starkly contrasting circumstances at Anfield on Sunday, it’s hard to believe Klopp will do better than ten Hags to demonstrate exactly why Neville and so many others have -a. Others consider him the best manager in sports today. When Klopp faced United for the first time as Liverpool manager, the Red Devils arrived at Anfield sixth in the Premier League and the Dutchman was under enormous pressure. Needless to say, for United, things remain the same even as things change. Sure, Louis van Gaal could see himself sacked less than 48 hours after losing 1-0 at Liverpool and winning the FA Cup final in 2015/16, but there’s no guarantee he’ll win. Our compatriot Erik ten Haag will also go for Christmas. It will be recalled that Van Gaal’s successor, Jose Mourinho, and his Portuguese replacement, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, were both sacked shortly after receiving suspensions following the defeat to Liverpool.
Anfield also proved a particularly tough place for United, who have not scored against their bitterest rivals at home for five years, with the Ten Hag’s side suffering a historic and humiliating 7-0 defeat in the last game of March. Given recent results, there are real concerns that United could suffer a similar blow. The Red Devils suffered a shock 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth last weekend, failing to hit back en route to their first win at Old Trafford and playing away to the home side. Three days later, Bayern Munich, who had qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, sweated it out and won there 1-0, further fueling United’s interest in the continental competition to end the year.
The last thing Ten Hag needed was a North West derby against a rejuvenated Liverpool under Klopp. Klopp’s side, in transition, are thriving.The Reds looked broken for a significant part of last season. The historic relegation to fourth place was a blow not only to Liverpool’s players but also to their manager, who was left frustrated by a difficult 2022-23 season that ended last March. Still, the end-of-season rally created a good atmosphere. An 11-game Premier League unbeaten run (seven wins in a month) may not be enough proof of a top-four finish, but it was Klopp’s decision to bring in Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The additional midfield position was a timely reminder of his tactical flexibility and problem-solving skills. It was still clear that the squad needed reinforcements and Liverpool moved quickly to bring in Alexis McAllister and Dominic Szoboszlai, which helped ease the pain of losing long-term transfer target Jude Bellingham. The deal has all the hallmarks of the smart signings that made Klopp’s side ‘champions of all’ from 2019 to 2020.But the search for a defensive midfielder turned into a farce as Liverpool lost Moises Caicedo and Romeo Rabia to Chelsea.
The Reds eventually signed Wataru Endo from Stuttgart and Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich, both of whom have struggled since arriving at Anfield. But Klopp is managing a team in transition much better than anyone thought. Andy Robertson Alleviation of injury problems Before the start of the season, there was a feeling that Liverpool would finish in the top four, but the title challenge failed. But after 16 rounds they have lost just once and sit top of the table in one of Tottenham’s most unfortunate and controversial circumstances. The defense remains questionable. However, it is worth noting that no team in the Premier League has conceded fewer goals than the Reds (15). This is a remarkable achievement considering the prolonged absence of Andy Robertson, which ended Joel Matip’s season. And Ibrahima Konate is still seriously injured. Moreover, Thiago Alcantara has not played a single minute so far this season. The Liverpool manager’s speedy recovery will put the Manchester United manager to shame mark
