By Fasika Zelealem
Copyright manchestereveningnews
Manchester United can dismiss Jurgen Klopp as a viable candidate to replace Ruben Amorim if they decide to axe the Portuguese manager. The 40-year-old has endured a disappointing beginning to the campaign with United, securing merely two victories in their opening six Premier League fixtures. Their most recent setback, a 3-1 defeat against Brentford , represented Amorim’s 17th league loss in only 33 matches. With United languishing in a disappointing 14th position in October, the manager’s role faces mounting pressure. Speculation has linked Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner with the United role following the Eagles’ exceptional campaign start. The south London outfit remain the only club undefeated side in the league after their 2-1 weekend win over Liverpool . However, one manager whom the United chiefs can eliminate as a potential replacement for Amorim is the ex-Liverpool boss. Klopp, 58, called time on his Anfield career following the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign and only resumed work duties in January this year as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull. Despite the German’s return to football, he has previously cast doubt over his managerial future whilst emphatically rejecting the possibility of ever taking charge of another English club beyond Liverpool, reports the Mirror . “The last thing I am thinking about actually is to be a manager again,” Klopp said earlier this summer during his appearance at the 10-year anniversary of Hout Bay United Football Community [quotes via Kick Off ]. “I coached 1,081 games. I lost absolutely each final available. Some of them I won as well.” In a telling further six-word remark, Klopp added: “And, no, I’m in a happy place.” It was following his announcement in January 2024 when he revealed he’d be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season that he stated: “If you ask me, ‘Will you ever work as a manager again?’ I would say now no. “But I don’t know obviously how that will feel because I never had the situation. What I know definitely – I will never, ever manage a different club in England than Liverpool, 100 per cent. That’s not possible. “My love for this club, my respect for the people is too big. I couldn’t. I couldn’t for a second think about it. There’s no chance. This is part of my life, we are part of the family, we feel home here. There’s no chance to do that. But all the rest, will I ever work again? Of course, I know myself, I cannot just sit around. “I will find something else maybe to do. But I will not manage a club or a country at least for a year, that’s not possible, I cannot do that and I don’t want to. That’s all. It’s such a strange situation because I have to explain that I don’t have energy anymore, but now I’m sitting here and I have energy and I’m buzzing for everything that’s happening here.” In a recent interview with The Athletic , Klopp reiterated his previous statements, confessing he currently has no intention of returning to coaching. He shared: “I played sports. We enjoyed life, spent time with the grandkids, completely normal stuff, knowing I will work again. But knowing as well, that I don’t want to work as a coach anymore.” When pressed on whether he would ever consider a return to management, Klopp responded: “That’s what I think,” adding: “But you don’t know. I’m 58. If I started again at 65, everybody will say, ‘You said you’ll never do it again’ Er, sorry, I thought 100 per cent (when I said it)! That is what I think now. I don’t miss anything.” In a potentially key match for Amorim’s Old Trafford future, his side will host newly-promoted Sunderland this Saturday. The Black Cats, who are currently fifth in the league, have made a bright start to the season following their return to the top-flight. Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis. Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories. And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts , and you can also watch along on YouTube .
