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Jürgen Klopp's wife's response spoke volumes when the German was sounded out by Manchester United. The former Liverpool boss also delivered a revealing answer when presented with a signed United contract last year.
With Ruben Amorim's side mired in relative chaos, having dropped three of their opening seven Premier League fixtures, a daunting visit to Anfield now looms.
Demands for Amorim to be sacked are already growing louder but could reach fever pitch should the outcome prove unfavorable. One name who certainly won't be under consideration should he leave is ex-Liverpool manager Klopp. The German accepting a position at Old Trafford is unthinkable given the years of devoted, silverware-filled service he delivered to Liverpool.
Yet, at one stage, it was a genuine prospect. Klopp's wife was the person who delivered the decisive verdict on a United approach when the manager was at Borussia Dortmund and the 58 year old himself revealed his genuine sentiments when he was handed a contract last year.
Throughout his spell in charge in Germany, Klopp was highly sought-after managerial talent and several elite European clubs came knocking. United was amongst those.
Speaking to Denmark's TV2 in 2019, Reds legend Phil Thompson revealed details of Klopp's choice in 2013. He said: "I interviewed Klopp for Sky, and I asked if he and Liverpool were created for each other. He looked at me and asked, 'Why?'
"Then Klopp told me he could have taken over Manchester United, but his wife (Ulla) said it wasn't right. When Liverpool arrived, his wife said it was right. There is something strange there. It is as if he's created for Liverpool."
Following his decision to remain at Dortmund, Klopp eventually made the switch to Anfield in October 2015 and the rest, as they say, is history.
He transformed the club into Premier League and Champions League victors and was given a legendary farewell when he departed in 2024.
However, during the closing stages of his farewell season, a bizarre episode left Klopp puzzled. Liverpool was eliminated from the FA Cup by United following a 4-3 loss in April 2024 during his final campaign before making way for Arne Slot.
The setback proved especially agonizing, with Amad Diallo netting the winning goal in added time to seal triumph for Erik ten Hag's side.
When Klopp walked into the press room, clearly annoyed, an unexpected document sat before him. Klopp lifted what looked like a United contract, already completed with signatures. He motioned towards a staff member who was there, evidently bewildered, and passed the document across.
Yet this was in fact a contract signed by YouTuber and well-known streamer IShowSpeed, whose actual name is Darren Watkins Jr.
The online celebrity, recognised for his outrageous behaviour in clips, had paid a visit to Old Trafford that year due to his reverence for club icon Cristiano Ronaldo. United had welcomed the American by offering him a tour of the changing room, presenting him with a jersey and inviting him to sign a mock contract in the press room.
It's still uncertain whether this was a calculated move to unsettle Klopp, particularly as his tenure at Liverpool was drawing to a close that summer. However, Klopp seemed merely bemused by the situation.
After leaving Liverpool, he accepted a position as Red Bull's Global Head of Football. If he were to make a return to the touchline in the future, it's highly unlikely that Old Trafford would be his preferred destination.
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