Manchester United great Alex Ferguson’s Liverpool ‘worry’ is coming true again

Sir Alex Ferguson’s previous quotes on Liverpool are ringing true once again in comparison to Manchester United.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Sir Alex Ferguson was right about Liverpool when he named one of Manchester United’s biggest concerns almost six years ago.

Liverpool fans need no reminding of the dominance Ferguson managed during his long stint at Old Trafford.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ferguson’s reign corresponded with a disappointing run for Liverpool and he, of course, contributed to it in many ways.

But as we sit here today, it is Liverpool who are on top, a Champions League and Premier League title later.

The Reds are currently head and shoulders above United, and it doesn’t look as though that will be changing any time soon.

Jurgen Klopp has played a momentous part in that, and Ferguson recognised back in 2016 what the German was doing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking about his big concern back then, he said of Klopp and Liverpool: “He has done a really good job and revived Liverpool's enthusiasm.

"It can happen that big clubs lose it. For two decades, Liverpool changed managers without building their own identity.

"You can now well and truly sense that you have to count them in this year. You can see Klopp's dedication on the sideline, I'm convinced his work in training is similar.

"He's a strong personality. That's absolutely vital at a big club. I'm worried about him because the one thing United don't want is Liverpool to get above us."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That worry has come true, and it appears as though United have a long way to go before they find themselves in a better place than Klopp’s men, despite managing to finish above them last season.

The next big step towards that is hiring a new manager, something United arguably haven’t done consistently since the departure of Ferguson.

Even the interim appointment of Ralph Rangnick hasn’t gone particularly well, with relationships frosty around Old Trafford.

Things haven’t been perfect at Anfield this season, either, with Manchester City well on their way to the title, but Klopp and his men are in a much better situation as things stand, something United will desperately want to change over the coming years.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.