Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has opened up on why he turned down the chance to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United back in 2013 — a decision that would later reshape the Premier League landscape.
The German tactician, who went on to achieve legendary status at Anfield, revealed that while he was flattered by United’s approach, the club’s vision for the future didn’t align with his footballing philosophy.
Klopp reveals why he rejected Man United
Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett, Klopp shared that United made contact shortly after Ferguson’s retirement.
At the time, the then Borussia Dortmund boss was one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches, having led his youthful Dortmund side to a Champions League final.
“In the year when Sir Alex retired, they spoke to me,” Klopp recalled, as cited by GOAL. “Of course, they were interested at one point. At that time, I would have been interested — I was young, I had a sensational team at Dortmund. They probably thought, ‘what is he doing there?”
However, the timing wasn’t right. “United tried [to approach me]. It was the wrong time, wrong moment. I had a contract at Dortmund and wouldn’t have left for anybody. They wanted a new manager, and I was one of a few options, I think.”
How Ronaldo, Pogba contributed to his rejection
Klopp went on to explain that what truly put him off was United’s transfer-focused approach, centered on bringing back big names rather than building a long-term football project.
“There were some things in the conversations that I didn’t like,” he admitted. “The idea was that big — ‘we get all the players you want, we get him, and him, and him’ — and I was sitting there like… yeah, this is not my type of project. It was the wrong time but on top of that, it was not my project.”
He continued: “I didn’t want to bring back Pogba — he was a sensational player — but these things don’t work usually. Or Cristiano, we all know he’s the best player, together with [Lionel] Messi, in the world, but bringing back never helps.”
Klopp also revealed that United never even discussed the tactical direction or playing style he would bring to Old Trafford.
“No, not at all,” he said. “I was sat there and was like, ‘that’s not for me.’ And then a pure football project comes up with Liverpool.”
That “pure football project” would go on to define his managerial legacy — transforming Liverpool into European and Premier League champions, rekindling the club’s identity, and winning the hearts of fans around the world.
Looking back, Klopp’s decision not to join Manchester United may have altered the course of both clubs.
While United struggled to replicate the Ferguson era’s success, Klopp’s Liverpool became a symbol of passion, purpose, and persistence — built not on marquee returns, but on collective spirit and tactical brilliance.