Things could quickly go from bad to worse for Manchester United ahead of their meeting with Liverpool in the middle of December.

Rob Dawson of ESPN now reports that a ‘group within the first-team squad are becoming disillusioned’ and of concerns around the dressing room mood dipping even further unless results improve.

It’s a reality that’s sure to fill travelling Red Devils fans’ hearts with much in the way of hope for when they pay a visit to Anfield on 17th December.

READ MORE: Liverpool poised to bank millions as ‘largest’ ever £6.7bn behind-the-scenes deal agreed

READ MORE: Liverpool’s 83-touch colossus just posted a 10/10 defensive performance vs LASK

Could Liverpool be set to humble Manchester United again?

Whilst one can never be certain just how United will react to the challenge of facing Jurgen Klopp’s men – and a renewed Liverpool side at that – the odds are certainly stacked against the later visitors as things stand.

Following a couple of heavy defeats at L4, we’re certainly more than hopeful on our end that we can replicate the demolition jobs of March this year and in 2022 to further highlight the growing divide between the red halves of Manchester and Merseyside.

With an opportunity to rest key stars ahead of the 17th, after securing our status as group winners in the Europa League with a game to spare, we’ll have every opportunity to prepare for the meeting as we’d like.

#Ep96 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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Richard Dunne was full of praise for one Liverpool player following Thursday night’s 4-0 win over LASK and seemed to hint that his Manchester United counterpart could learn a thing or two from the man in question.

Caoimhin Kelleher took his familiar position between the sticks for Europa League duty, with the microscope firmly placed on him amid the injury to Alisson Becker, and the 25-year-old rose to the task by keeping a clean sheet and making some important second-half saves.

Speaking on Virgin Media Sport, Dunne pointed out the contrasting fortunes of his fellow Irishman and Andre Onana, who endured an error-strewn game for the Red Devils in the Champions League the previous evening.

The ex-Manchester City defender said of Kelleher [via Balls.ie]: “He looked very comfortable in what he was doing. He looked well prepared and like he had been training well. His positioning is good, he seems to be in the right place at the right time.

“All the way through everything that happened to him, his movement and positions, was really good throughout.

“[LASK] had a few opportunities. There was 15 minutes where Liverpool sort of took their eye off the ball a bit. When you have a goalkeeper that makes saves like that, it breeds confidence into your defence.

“All of a sudden that panicky 15 minutes, like you see with Man United, the panic doesn’t go until they concede and then they attack again. Liverpool sort of shielded it out for 15 minutes, with the help of Caoimhín Kelleher.

“When there is no pass on, he will kick it as long as he can up the middle of the pitch. Play football as much as you can, but play it without risk. That’s what he did tonight.”

READ MORE: (Image) Curtis Jones heaps two-word praise on Liverpool teammate who won 6 duels v LASK

READ MORE: ‘He can be that good…’ – Joe Cole backs Liverpool maestro to become an ‘all-time’ Anfield great

Liverpool were largely comfortable during their 4-0 win over LASK, but it certainly wasn’t as if Kelleher was an idle bystander at Anfield last night.

As per Sofascore, the 25-year-old made three saves and overperformed on his xG conceded by 1.25, facing six shots from the Austrian visitors during the second half and making particularly good stops from Ibrahim Mustapha and Robert Zulj.

While the Irishman stood tall whenever LASK posed questions of him, Onana was found wanting during United’s 3-3 draw against Galatasaray on Wednesday, being culpable of errors for two free kick goals and beaten on his near post for the Turkish side’s equaliser.

It was a game in which Erik ten Hag’s side looked comfortable when leading 3-1 early in the second half, but a fateful nine-minute period in which they conceded twice leaves them on the brink of Champions League elimination.

It’s hard not to be struck by the contrast in how Kelleher’s performance radiated confidence when Liverpool were briefly under the cosh last night, compared to the shakiness from Man United as they let two points slip in Turkey.

Reds fans may have a wry smile at the thought of our second-choice goalkeeper showing up his first-choice counterpart at Old Trafford!

#Ep96 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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Sometimes an advert comes along that just resonates with a football audience.

Checkatrade’s latest billboard, taken near Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground, according to @MikeMinay online, hilariously took aim at the Red Devils.

This follows reports of the worsening state of disrepair the supposed ‘Theatre of Dreams’ has found itself in.

Tribal Football reported that pieces of concrete from the roof had ‘allegedly’ struck two United fans during the Women’s derby.

Poor performances on the pitch and a crumbling stadium. What a time to be a Manchester United fan!

You can catch the photo below, courtesy of Mike Minay’s X account:

https://t.co/N90vt18zg9

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) November 22, 2023

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Gary Neville has named the one man at Liverpool who he’d ‘bring to Manchester United tomorrow’ if he could.

The 48-year-old often enjoys taking a dig at the Merseysiders, but even he is in awe of Reds manager Jurgen Klopp for the job the German has done at Anfield.

Speaking on The Daily Ketchup Podcast, the Sky Sports pundit was asked to name who he feels is the best coach in the world at present.

Neville replied: “I’d say Jurgen Klopp. Jurgen Klopp works with a budget which is far less than Pep Guardiola. Pep Guardiola’s a genius, and he’ll be the one who’s remembered forever more. But Jurgen Klopp, for me, is an amazing manager.

“If you said to me which manager could I bring to Manchester United tomorrow, it would be Jurgen Klopp.”

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It speaks volumes for what Klopp has done at Liverpool that, even with Guardiola claiming five of the last six Premier League titles, Neville would still opt for the former to take over at Old Trafford – no prizes for guessing which manager deprived Man City of what’d now be six in a row.

While the 56-year-old has forged an indelible bond with the Anfield faithful throughout his eight-and-a-bit years at the club – and delivered plenty of tangible success in the form of major silverware – United have lurched through five coaches in that time with little to show for it, despite vast transfer spending.

Just as Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have done previously at other clubs, Klopp has reconstructed his Liverpool squad over the past couple of years to create what’s largely a different team from the first outstanding generation that he had on Merseyside.

The overhaul of the midfield and attack in particular has set up the Reds for a potential crack at winning trophies this season and forming the basis of what’ll hopefully be the second great side that the German has built at LFC.

If that turns out to be the case, expect Neville’s envy to grow even further, all while United perhaps move on to yet another manager if they dispense with Erik ten Hag in the meantime!

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The post ‘If you said to me…’ – Gary Neville would yearn to have ‘amazing’ Liverpool idol at Man United appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

One journalist has claimed that Jurgen Klopp would’ve extracted ‘more’ out of Mason Mount at Liverpool than what Erik ten Hag has done so far at Manchester United.

The Merseysiders had been linked with the 24-year-old for several months earlier this year before he eventually opted for a move to Old Trafford for £55m in the summer (BBC Sport).

The Reds signed Dominik Szoboszlai instead, with the Hungarian earning rave reviews for his performances at Anfield, in contrast to the false start that the former Chelsea playmaker has had at his new club.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Dean Jones believes that Klopp would’ve found a way to incorporate Mount into Liverpool’s line-up so that his potential would be maximised, something which hasn’t happened yet at United.

The journalist said: “I’m sure Liverpool don’t dedicate a huge amount [and] don’t have time to the fact that they didn’t get Mount, but if you were to ask them how they feel about that situation now, I still feel like Klopp would believe he’d be getting more out of him than Man United are getting out of Mount.

“I think that he would have found a role for him within his team that is better suited towards him and he would have found a way of making sure that Mount was more beneficial to Liverpool’s setup than he has been to United’s setup.

“If you look at Szoboszlai and what he’s been able to do in such a short amount of time, I think that Mount would have been expected by Klopp to have a similar impact as that.”

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Eleven games into his United career, Mount is still waiting for his first goal at the club, with his only 90-minute appearance coming in their 3-0 Carabao Cup thrashing by Newcastle recently (Transfermarkt).

By contrast, Szoboszlai has netted twice for Liverpool in 16 matches, starting every Premier League game up to this point and being ever-present in the top flight until his 66th-minute substitution at Luton last weekend (Transfermarkt).

Klopp has had a knack for elevating players to a different level under his stewardship at Anfield, with the likes of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson, Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk becoming genuine global stars following their moves to the Reds.

He could well have done the same with the very talented Mount had the Englishman favoured us over United, but the success of the Hungarian playmaker will leave the LFC hierarchy with no great regrets over how the summer transfer window played out.

He could yet come good at Old Trafford, although Jones’ belief that the 24-year-old would’ve integrated into Liverpool’s team more seamlessly is a valid one, especially with Ten Hag’s side being so inconsistent and at times incoherent this season.

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The post ‘Look at Szoboszlai’ – Journo claims £55m EPL enigma would’ve thrived under Klopp at Liverpool appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Gary Neville has said that Mason Mount ended up going to a ‘graveyard’ at Manchester United instead of joining Liverpool in the summer.

Jurgen Klopp’s side had been linked with the England international when he was at Chelsea earlier this year, but the 24-year-old ultimately moved to Old Trafford for £55m (BBC Sport) rather than Anfield.

He’s had a frustrating time of it so far in Erik ten Hag’s side, making just four Premier League starts and missing several games through injury (Transfermarkt).

His personal torment still pales in comparison with the problems at United, where Neville complained of a ‘toxic’ culture infesting the club which ‘eats alive’ players and managers who join.

Speaking on Sky Sports after the Red Devils’ 3-0 derby mauling by Man City on Sunday, the 48-year-old said: “Harry Maguire was going to go to Manchester City. Mason Mount was going to go to Liverpool. 

“They come here and it’s a graveyard for them. Are we going to keep blaming the kids in the class? Are we going to blame the headteacher?”

While Liverpool missed out on Mount over the summer as he went to the United ‘graveyard’, they instead brought in Dominik Szoboszlai, who’s made Anfield look like his personal playground at times, such has been the joyous nature of his performances.

Although the Red Devils’ problems go far deeper than the hitherto subdued England international, the LFC hierarchy won’t have any regrets whatsoever about the way that their summer search for a new playmaker turned out.

You can view Neville’s comments below (from 1:16), via @SkySportsPL on Twitter/X:

"Why do I have to listen to you, but you won't listen to me!"

A passionate rant from @GNev2 on Manchester United pic.twitter.com/zcMiLmX7BH

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 29, 2023

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The world of football is in mourning this Saturday following the sad news that Sir Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86.

A legend of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, he’s also regarded as one of the greatest players in Manchester United history, lifting the European Cup with them at Wembley in 1968.

Among the widespread tributes being paid to one of football’s all-time greats, Jamie Carragher posted on Twitter/X: “Absolute gentleman whenever I met him. No doubt for me the greatest English player of all time. RIP Sir Bobby”.

Absolute gentleman whenever I met him.
No doubt for me the greatest English player of all time.
RIP Sir Bobby https://t.co/DW5ucJUUgC

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) October 21, 2023

The word ‘legend’ is perhaps overused when saluting footballers, but in the case of Sir Bobby Charlton, it’s a term which is very much merited.

In 17 years at United, he netted 249 goals in 758 appearances, while he was also England’s record goalscorer for a long period (49 goals) before that tally was surpassed by Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane.

In moments like this, club loyalties are put to one side, with everyone who loves the game in mourning this evening at the death of a genuine all-time giant of the sport.

From all of us at Empire of the Kop, our thoughts are with the family of Sir Bobby Charlton at this sad time. May he rest in peace.

The post Jamie Carragher pays heartfelt tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton after Man United legend’s passing appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

In the vast realm of football rivalries, none shine as brightly or fiercely as the historic clash between Manchester United and Liverpool. As two of England’s most storied clubs, their battles on the pitch have been etched into the annals of sporting legend.

‘Manchester United vs. Liverpool Through Time’ embarks on a captivating journey through the ages, revisiting the iconic matches, legendary players and defining moments which have shaped this intense rivalry.

From the thrilling highs to the heartbreaking lows, join us as we relive the drama, passion, and the ever-evolving narrative of one of football’s greatest rivalries. For those curious about the footballing accolades, a common question often asked is “How many titles does Manchester United have?” The answer to this question lies in the history of the club and their enduring legacy in the world of football. 

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The Birth Of Rivalry: From Industrial Hubs To Football Giants

The storied rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool transcends the boundaries of a football pitch, weaving together a narrative which dates back to the late 19th century. In the midst of the Industrial Revolution, the two cities played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of the United Kingdom.

Manchester, already a thriving industrial powerhouse by the 18th century, was home to the birth of what would become Manchester United. Established in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club, the team’s roots lay in the labour force of the local railway industry, uniting a community in their love for the beautiful game. The club faced dire financial straits in 1902, teetering on the brink of extinction until the intervention of John Henry Davies, who injected much-needed capital and instigated a renaming to the ubiquitous Manchester United.

By 1908, United had secured their first league title, setting the stage for an enduring rivalry with Liverpool, who in turn had their own unique origin story. In 1892, following a dispute between Anfield owner John Houlding and Everton directors, the newly-formed club found its home at Anfield, a stadium destined to become hallowed ground for Reds supporters.

Liverpool’s rise through the ranks was nothing short of remarkable. In the 1893/94 Second Division, they finished the season unbeaten, earning promotion to the First Division after a victorious showdown against Newton Heath. This pivotal encounter laid the foundation for future battles between the two clubs, igniting a spark which still burns.

The first official meeting of Manchester United and Liverpool took place in 1903 during an FA Cup clash, resulting in a hard-fought 2-1 victory for the former. Both clubs would steadily grow in stature, enjoying title wins during the early 1900s. However, Liverpool outshone their northern counterparts, with United enduring a lengthy championship drought from 1910/11 until 1951/52.

As we reflect on this illustrious rivalry, it’s worth noting that this fixture embodies a rich history where competition is not limited to the football pitch. Speaking of records, you might be curious to know which team has scored the most goals in English football history, a title which has sparked many debates among fans. While both Manchester United and Liverpool have their arguments, it’s undeniable that they have left their indelible marks in the annals of English football.

In more recent history, both clubs have taken turns basking in the glory of dominance. Liverpool’s resplendent era in the 1970s and 1980s brought them 11 league titles and four European Cups. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United broke their 26-year league title drought in 1993 and went on to capture 12 more championships, including the historic treble in 1999.

As the two continue to vie for supremacy on the domestic and global stage, the appeal of both Manchester United and Liverpool transcends national borders. United, despite their post-Ferguson title drought, have shown signs of resurgence under Erik ten Hag. Liverpool, on the other hand, have been navigating a period of transition under Jurgen Klopp, after securing their first Premier League title in three decades in 2019/20.

Top Players Of Manchester United And Liverpool

Here are the names of just some legendary players who have made significant contributions to either club:

Famous Moments in the Manchester United v Liverpool Rivalry

1. The 1977 FA Cup Final: This match is etched in football folklore as the result which ultimately stopped Liverpool from being England’s first ‘treble’ winners, having claimed the league title and European Cup that year. Despite Jimmy Case equalising for the Merseysiders, Jimmy Greenhoff’s deflection from Lou Macari’s shot ultimately won the trophy for United.
2. The 1992/93 Premier League: A pivotal match at Old Trafford in March 1993 left fans on the edge of their seats. Manchester United secured a pivotal 2-1 win over Liverpool, paving the way to lift their first league title in 26 years, which signalled the beginning of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign of dominance.
3. The 1999 FA Cup 4th Round: United’s eventual treble nearly didn’t make it past January of that year, with Liverpool leading 1-0 at Old Trafford in the 89th minute before quickfire goals from Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the Manchester side through. They went on to win the trophy four months later.
4. The 2013/14 Premier League: With Liverpool chasing down an overdue title triumph and United struggling badly as defending champions, the Merseysiders went to Old Trafford and won 3-0, with Steven Gerrard scoring two penalties and missing one. However, Brendan Rodgers’ side would ultimately have to settle for second behind United’s neighbours Manchester City.
5. The 2019/20 Premier League: The rivalry took centre stage in the 2019/20 season when Liverpool ended their 30-year league title drought. They won 26 of their first 27 top-flight games, with the only blemish inflicted by their biggest rivals at Old Trafford in a 1-1 draw, and it took a late Adam Lallana equaliser to prevent Klopp’s team from losing their unbeaten status.

These five matches stand as a testament to the drama, tension and historic significance which define the Manchester United v Liverpool rivalry. Each encounter encapsulates the essence of this storied battle, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of football fans around the world.

As the rivalry continues to evolve through time, these clashes serve as a constant reminder of the enduring intensity and allure of this fixture. For those curious about the origins of these legendary clubs, a question often asked is ‘When was Manchester United founded?’ The history of these clubs intertwines with the rich tapestry of football, creating a legacy that spans generations.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving tapestry of football history, the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool remains an enduring masterpiece. Through time, these two footballing giants have defined an age-old contest, an embodiment of passion, pride, and glory. From the industrial heartlands of England to the global stages of the 21st century, this clash of titans has captivated the world.

As we conclude our journey through their storied past, it’s clear that the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is not just about the goals scored and the titles won; it’s about the enduring spirit of competition which unites and divides fans.

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A prominent former Liverpool figure is set to turn down reported interest from Manchester United, in a development which’ll surely delight Kopites everywhere.

According to Football Insider, ex-Anfield recruitment chief Michael Edwards has no plans to return to the game in a sporting director capacity, despite him apparently being a target among the Old Trafford hierarchy, who are set to ratify Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 25% stake in the club later this week.

As part of that proposed takeover development, the investor is set to take immediate charge of football matters in Manchester, which in turn could lead to ‘significant changes in sporting personnel’, with current director of football John Murtough rumoured to be among those who may be under scrutiny.

However, despite United’s apparent interest, Edwards isn’t looking to reprise the role he once held at Liverpool with another club in England and is instead set to focus his energies on his new consultancy firm Ludonautics.

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Edwards’ legacy among Liverpool fans was secured by his role in overseeing a number of hugely successful signings during Jurgen Klopp’s managerial reign, including Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Andy Robertson.

The 44-year-old also gained a reputation for reaping generous fees from player sales, with Dominic Solanke and Rhian Brewster both sold for more than £20m and Philippe Coutinho traded to Barcelona for a whopping £142m in 2018 (Liverpool Echo).

He left a very tough act for his successors Julian Ward and Jorg Schmadtke to follow, and it comes as no surprise that he continues to be a man in demand.

Edwards could well return to football eventually, but Liverpool supporters will be mightily relieved to hear that he doesn’t intend to get on board at Man United amid Ratcliffe’s investment at Old Trafford.

For the ex-Anfield chief to have taken a job at our arch-rivals would’ve stung bitterly, not least for the trepidation that the thought of him being just as much of a success in Manchester would’ve brought.

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It’s always a tough question when you ask any Liverpool fan who they dislike more, Everton or Manchester United, and now Trent Alexander-Arnold has shared his thoughts on the age-old debate.

Speaking on the ‘We are Liverpool’ podcast, our No.66 responded to Jan Molby by stating: “That’s a tough one. Ohhh. That is a hard one. Difficult, because I think watching when I was growing up, watching the first team, it was always United dominated everything, so naturally, as a Liverpool fan, I had that dislike towards them.

READ MORE: (Video) Alexander-Arnold: ‘everyone’s got an opinion’ – Trent on local fans and players

“They won everything, they dominated, it was always them. But from a personal one, I knew a lot more Evertonians. I was around them, it was a lot more intense with them, a lot more interaction.

“Like I said, I was going to school with a lot of players that were there and that rivalry grew on a personal level from young, but I think if I was watching the first team, and I was watching the likes of Stevie and them boys… ..I’d always want them to beat United more than Everton. That’s the way I saw it”.

READ MORE: (Video) Alexander-Arnold comments on whether he needs a new chant after Curtis Jones progression

It seems that as a player the Scouser wants, or at least when he was younger wanted, to beat the Blues more but looking at the team as a fan – then it’s those from Old Trafford.

Fortunately, our vice-captain has plenty of memories in the bank already of beating both by huge scorelines and that’s something nobody can ever take away from him.

You can view Alexander-Arnold’s thoughts on Everton and Manchester United (from 7:07) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

EOTK FPL Gameweek 8 Review : Isak or Alvarez the man to watch? Dominance in EOTK’s league, time to go big on Villa/Spurs/West Ham…

The post (Video) Everton or Manchester United – Alexander-Arnold names which club he hates more appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Another game and another Andre Onana mistake for Manchester United and their new goalkeeper followed up his mistake in the Champions League by being at fault for a goal against Brentford.

READ MORE: (Video) Thiago, Gravenberch and Adrian play Super Mario together in Liverpool training

Some poor defending inside their own box from the Old Trafford residents led to Mathias Jensen being presented with a chance to have a shot on goal.

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The effort wasn’t a particularly good one either from the Dane but it managed to squeeze under the hands of the hapless former Inter Milan man.

You can watch the Onana mistake courtesy of beIN Sports (via @AaronSande73736 on X):

تابع الحساب الاساسي : @i_Carl0 pic.twitter.com/XxcWYg2hSA

— رسيفر HD (@AaronSande73736) October 7, 2023

EOTK FPL Gameweek 7 Review : Disaster for Liverpool, captain Watkins? Injuries piling up…

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It’s been a strange period of being a Liverpool fan as all attention has been on the fallout of a monumental VAR mistake that went against us but at least we can rely on a smile from Manchester United.

READ MORE: (Video) PGMOL release audio for VAR mistake on Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham; more shocking than first expected

During their Champions League group stage meeting at Old Trafford against Galatasaray, the way in which Andre Onana was chipped for what proved to be the winning finish of the game was a joy for us to behold.

With Mauro Icardi closing in on goal, he dispatched a chip that further illustrated the failing of the Cameroon international in Erik ten Hag’s net.

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It’s becoming increasingly enjoyable to watch the team up the M62, as their issues continue to worsen on and off the pitch.

You can watch the video of Icardi scoring past Onana via @footballontnt on X:

78' – Penalty miss
81' – Puts Galatasaray 3-2 up against Manchester United at Old Trafford

𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐎 𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈 #UCL pic.twitter.com/UuQEXcnQbR

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 3, 2023

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: VAR atrocity at Tottenham, conspiracy theories, one Liverpool player cost the Reds dearly and much more!

The post (Video) Liverpool fans will howl as Andre Onana embarrassingly chipped against Galatasaray appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Sofyan Amrabat has explained why he joined Manchester United on loan during the summer transfer window, despite Liverpool’s reported interest.

The Merseysiders are believed to have been very close to landing the 27-year-old, who was personally contacted by Jurgen Klopp (Daily Mail), but ultimately he ended up at Old Trafford after leaving Fiorentina on a temporary basis.

As per The Independent, the Morocco midfielder explained: “After the last game with the club, it was the Conference League final with West Ham and from that moment, the window started for me. A lot of clubs, a lot of speaking, talking, but for me it was clear I wanted Manchester United.

“It was long, long months for me, difficult months for me, but at the end it’s nice on the last day that I signed here and that I’m here is now the most important (thing).”

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Amrabat’s version of events appear to differ slightly from other reports that, due to delays among his representatives, it was Liverpool who opted out of a proposed deal to prioritise a move for Ryan Gravenberch instead.

Whatever the truth might be, it certainly seems as if the £65,000-per-week midfielder (Capology) had his heart set on United all along, in which case Klopp’s approach was never realistically going to work given the intense rivalry between the two northwestern clubs.

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In any event, it doesn’t seem like the Reds lost out to a great extent considering our swoop for the Dutchman, who’s six years younger than the Moroccan and had already played for two giant clubs in Ajax and Bayern Munich before coming to Merseyside.

Also, Liverpool have definitely had a better start to the campaign than the Red Devils, so the Anfield hierarchy may feel quite happy with the business they pulled off over the summer rather than lying awake at night regretting those which got away.

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Liverpool were reportedly on the brink of signing one current member of Manchester United’s squad this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Jurgen Klopp had personally phoned Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to try and entice him to Anfield, with the Reds manager desperately trying to fill the voids left by the exits of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

The 27-year-old was apparently just ‘hours away’ from moving to Merseyside, but after talks were put on hold by his camp, LFC chiefs had a change of heart and instead opted to move for Ryan Gravenberch, who’s six years younger and ‘was viewed as a younger and better fit for Klopp’s needs’.

The Moroccan duly joined United on loan instead, but is still awaiting his debut for Erik ten Hag’s side.

READ MORE: Liverpool handed a boost with Real Madrid’s stance on Klopp’s preferred Salah successor – report

READ MORE: (Video) Ryan Gravenberch’s exquisite half-time skills at Anfield will have Liverpool fans purring

In many instances, it’d be incredibly galling for Liverpool to have been on the cusp of making a player who Klopp had personally tried to lure to Anfield, only for him to then opt for our arch-rivals instead.

However, the Reds felt confident enough in Gravenberch’s ability and long-term potential to pull back from the pursuit of Amrabat and get a move for the Dutchman over the line on transfer deadline day.

The 21-year-old has had a gentle introduction on Merseyside, with his only start so far coming in the Europa League and his Premier League involvement restricted to two late substitute appearances (Transfermarkt).

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However, the ex-Bayern midfielder made a telling impact on his full debut, providing a superb assist for Luis Diaz to score Liverpool’s second goal in the 3-1 victory away to LASK, with his all-round performance catching the eye.

Whereas Amrabat is only at United on loan and already in his peak years, Gravenberch is Liverpool’s player outright and, at 21, offers far greater long-term potential and value.

Despite his phone calls coming to nought, Klopp won’t be losing any sleep about missing out on the Moroccan, having landed a very promising alternative in the Dutchman instead.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Liverpool’s challenge before January transfer window, mentality monsters back? Reds player ‘hung out to dry’ and much more!

The post Klopp called him: Liverpool were on the brink of landing Man Utd ace before late change of heart appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Manchester United continued their poor start to the season with a 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich and one moment from the game by Bruno Fernandes will be sure to bring a smile to the faces of our supporters.

Playing a one-two with Victor Lindelof, the midfielder unleashed a shot on goal that was probably closer to hitting the roof than it was the back of the net.

READ MORE: Pundit says Klopp’s new signing ‘looks like he’s been at Liverpool for years’

It was almost impressive how much the petulant captain missed the goal by and it provided an insight into how much those at Old Trafford are struggling at the moment.

Fingers crossed this bad run of form continues and that we see the 29-year-old stick with those shooting boots he had on in Germany!

You can watch the video of Fernandes effort courtesy of TNT Sports (via @huzcw77 on X):

no words for this fucker pic.twitter.com/Qqzpej7Zhc

— Huz (@huzcw77) September 20, 2023

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Liverpool’s challenge before January transfer window, mentality monsters back? Reds player ‘hung out to dry’ and much more!

The post (Video) Liverpool fans will howl at Bruno Fernandes’ atrocious shot against Bayern Munich appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.