Liverpool vs Manchester United: Battle of the Bitter Red Rivals
Premier League’s Liverpool welcome bitter rivals Manchester United in a must-win game for both sides on Tuesday with Klopp’s side chasing a quadruple.
England’s top two teams face each other Tuesday night at Anfield as both teams seek to win with much on the line. Liverpool is chasing a quadruple after reaching their first FA Cup final in 10 years. Manchester United will be looking to finish the season in the top four in the Premier League.
“It’s a big game. It’s a massive game. The two biggest clubs in the world, I would say,” said Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool are looking to complete the Premier League double over Manchester United for the first time since 2013-2014.
“This time, it’s an incredibly important game again, for both sides,” said Klopp. “Both teams are fighting to be in the Champions League next year or more.”
With United’s win over Norwich on Saturday, they increased their chances of qualifying for a spot in the Champions League, but weren’t exactly convincing in their 3-2 win over the bottom club in the Premier League.
United have not won in their last five away games against Liverpool, their longest winless run at Anfield since the 1970s.
Klopp has only beaten United manager Ralf Rangnick twice in 13 attempts, with Rangnick winning on six occasions.
“I cannot make a Klopp-Rangnick, Rangnick-Klopp game of it. I don’t want to,” said Klopp. “I respect him for everything he’s done during his career, to be honest. He’s done incredible jobs where ever he’s been.”
“Jurgen and I, we’ve known each other for a long time,” said Rangnick. “I know how he wants to play. Liverpool having six players that used to play for former clubs of mine, as I said, it’s obviously not a coincidence. And this has obviously got something to do with having a similar idea of football (to Klopp).”
Only Steven Gerrard (9) has netted more goals for Liverpool against the Red Devils than Mo Salah (7).
“I liked (his performance) against City a lot,” said Klopp. “He played a really good football game. So it’s only a question of time before he scores as well.”
Since the start of Klopp’s first full season in charge (2016-2017), Liverpool has amassed 489 EPL points compared to Manchester United’s 410.
“Klopp raised the whole club - not only the team, but the whole club - to a different kind of level,” said Rangnick. “He’s no doubt one of the best, if not the best, coach.”
The Liverpool vs Manchester United game kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET at Anfield
Find out how to watch the game here or follow the all the action live right here on AS USA.