Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Manchester United owner, has publicly expressed his admiration for Jurgen Klopp's managerial prowess, but any prospect of the German taking the Old Trafford hotseat appears to be a non-starter. This follows United's search for a new boss after parting ways with Ruben Amorim.
Ratcliffe's Praise and Klopp's Ironclad Promise
Back in March 2024, shortly after his arrival at the club was confirmed, Ratcliffe highlighted Klopp's unique abilities. "Klopp has this ability to drive his players to a frenzy," Ratcliffe said. "Total commitment on the pitch. And, you know, that's one of the things a good coach can do."
However, Klopp himself has repeatedly and unequivocally closed the door on managing any other English club following his emotional departure from Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season. "I will never, ever manage a different club in England than Liverpool, 100 per cent," he declared. He cited his profound love and respect for the Anfield club as making such a move impossible.
A Historical Approach and a Changed Landscape
Intriguingly, this is not the first time Manchester United have shown interest in Klopp. The German manager revealed that the club approached him in 2013 when they were seeking a successor for Sir Alex Ferguson. At the time, Klopp was leading Borussia Dortmund to a Champions League final.
"In the year when Sir Alex retired, they spoke to me," Klopp confirmed in a 2025 interview. "Of course, they were interested." While he admitted he would have been interested then, the timing was wrong due to his contract with Dortmund, and he was ultimately put off by aspects of United's project vision.
Why a Move Now is Deemed Impossible
Several key factors make a future move to United for Klopp highly improbable:
- His Public Vow: His definitive statements about never managing another English club have built a nearly insurmountable barrier.
- Liverpool Legacy: His deep-rooted connection and legendary status at Liverpool, United's historic rivals, make the switch culturally and emotionally implausible.
- Current Role: Klopp has remained true to his word about taking a break from management. Since 2025, he has taken on a role as Red Bull's global head of soccer, showing no signs of an imminent return to club dugout duties.
- Past Dismissal of Rumours: He has previously rubbished a long-standing anecdote from his former coach, Eckhard Krautzun, who claimed Klopp once dreamed of managing United.
While Ratcliffe has shown a willingness to recruit from rival organisations, such as appointing former Manchester City executive Omar Berrada as CEO, a move for Klopp is considered an entirely different proposition. The search for United's next manager now appears focused elsewhere, with names like former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca being linked, as the Klopp chapter remains firmly closed.
