Jurgen Klopp will leave behind a glittering legacy at Liverpool, but the German could have taken over at Manchester United if it wasn't for an intervention from his wife
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BERGAMO, ITALY - APRIL 17: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool FC talks to the media during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 quarter-final second leg press conference at Gewiss Stadium on April 17, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp could have taken over at Manchester United(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp's wife, Ulla Sandrock, played a pivotal role in his decision to turn down a potential job offer from Manchester United.
The German manager will be remembered as one of Liverpool's most successful managers, having led the team to numerous trophies, including five domestic cups, a Champions League, and a Premier League win during his tenure. However, it is reported that Klopp could have taken the reins at Old Trafford instead, had it not been for his wife's input.
In 2019, Liverpool legend Phil Thompson revealed that United had approached Klopp in the past. During an interview with TV2 in Norway, Thompson, who played for Liverpool from 1971 to 1984, 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 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," reports the Liverpool Echo.
Klopp himself has also spoken about being approached by United as Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement neared in 2013. According to Sky Sports, Ferguson personally reached out to Klopp in April of that year, but Klopp declined, citing his existing plans for the 2013/14 season with Borussia Dortmund.
Klopp said: "We spoke. We spoke not a lot but, for me, it was a lot. It was a big honour, the whole talk, to be honest. But I could not leave Dortmund. You are in April and you are in the middle of the planning for next season.
Ulla Sandrock, wife of Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp is pictured in the crowd
Ulla Sandrock talked Jurgen Klopp away from Manchester United(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
"You have this player and this player who are coming but then you are not there anymore? That doesn't work.
"Not in my life. I didn't hear about a real offer [from United] but, if there was, I could not have done it. I first had to finish the job with Dortmund and then think about other things.
"Maybe that is not smart but that is my way. It was the same at Mainz." After kicking off his managerial career with Mainz in 2001, Klopp spent seven years with Dortmund between 2008 and 2015 - where he secured two Bundesliga titles and three domestic cups.
The tactician then succeeded Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool, and the rest is history. However, his career could have looked markedly different should he have taken up tenure with United. Since Ferguson left Old Trafford over a decade ago, United have seen a succession of managers - David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Erik ten Hag - with Ruben Amorim now at the helm, all attempting to recapture former glories.
Sir Alex Ferguson encourages the home fans
Jurgen Klopp was reportedly eyed as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor
Having taken over from Ten Hag in November, Amorim has struggled to make significant progress with the squad he inherited for the 2024/25 season. Consequently, United are set to finish in their lowest-ever Premier League position after Sunday's season finale against Aston Villa.
In stark contrast, Liverpool are poised to officially claim their second Premier League title following their own match against Crystal Palace at Anfield. Arne Slot, who took over from Klopp at the start of the 2024/25 season, has orchestrated a remarkable debut season with the Reds.
This culminated in them securing the league title four games early in April, following a resounding 5-1 victory over Tottenham, and all that is left to do is actually receive the title come Sunday.