Man United and Liverpool rivalry stopped Jurgen Klopp from making major signing

Very few players would be bold enough to consider representing both Manchester United and Liverpool.

In fact, just 12 players have lined up for each of English football’s two most decorated clubs in their 132-year shared history, and it’s no wonder why.

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The tension between the north-west powerhouses is steeped in history, with the cities’ rivalry dating back to the industrial revolution.

And since both sides arrived on the football scene in 1878 and 1892 respectively, it has been a similar story.

With a combined 137 major trophies between them, each encounter represents a chance for either club to stake their claim as the biggest in the land.

Throw in the fact that just 35 miles separates the English giants, this makes for an intense rivalry unlike many others, with it almost unthinkable for most players to cross the divide and play for both teams.

Despite this, some have shown themselves to be more open to this than others, and talkSPORT.com has taken a look at where some of the rivalry’s great characters over the years have stood on the idea.

Jurgen Klopp rules out signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp best summed up the mentality of most when he explained his decision not to bring Swedish icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Anfield in 2019. 

Following Ibrahimovic’s departure from LA Galaxy, who he had joined after a two-year spell at Man United, Klopp was asked if he would consider signing him.

And his response was clear, telling Swedish publication Sportbladet: “If he hadn’t played for Manchester United, then we might have considered him.”

Klopp, though, laughed as he imagined the unique striker playing in one of his sides. “I’m not even sure he would have wanted to play here — we’re a pretty intense team.”

During his career, Ibrahimovic became known for being a highly combative and often combustible character with supreme confidence and a charismatic personality.  

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However, Klopp added: “With that said, I couldn’t have had more respect for Zlatan. I love his whole career, love his efforts, love his confidence.

“While it may not always be right, it is entertaining anyway. He’s a fantastic character and I really hope he doesn’t stop playing football. The world would miss him too much.”

Ibrahimovic’s dedication to his craft and fitness saw him play at the highest level until he was 41 when his Milan contract expired.

Widely regarded as one of the finest strikers of his generation having played for Barcelona, Inter, Juventus and PSG, it is hugely telling of the rivalry between the two clubs that Klopp was prepared to miss out on a chance of securing his services.

Other managers, though, have decided to put the rivalry to one side and take a chance on players, while for the local lads it was just not worth the hassle from their die-hard supporting parents…

Michael Owen

Owen rose through Liverpool’s youth ranks to become a deadly goalscorer, winning the Premier League Golden Boot in 1998 and 1999, and then the Ballon d’Or in 2001.

But after underwhelming spells at Real Madrid and Newcastle, Owen broke the hearts of his former fans when he made the move to Old Trafford in 2009.

And despite picking up a first Premier League title in 2010/11 with the Red Devils, the ex-striker has since admitted he has some regrets about the transfer.

He told the Daily Mail in 2021: “When I go through the doors at Liverpool, it’s in my heart.

“I hated going back as a player. It felt like I was punching my brother. Being booed, I felt sick. My parents were shot to bits.

“It rarely happens now, the odd voice might shout: ‘You Manc’, but I can put it in a box.

“It doesn’t stop me thinking I would love to have the legacy of Carra (Jamie Carragher) or Stevie (Steven Gerrard).”

Paul Ince

Ince was a serial winner for United in a dominant Sir Alex Ferguson side between 1989 and 1995, before departing for Serie A side Inter Milan.

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But the former England midfielder made a shock return to English football in 1997, joining none other than his old club’s bitter rivals.

Ince made 81 appearances in all competitions in two years on Merseyside, and never once questioned his decision.

Appearing on talkSPORT in 2023, when asked if he had any doubts about the move given his past allegiances, he said: “None whatsoever. I’ve always looked at the Liverpool fans as knowledgeable people.

He later added: “From day one, I had not one problem with the people at Liverpool.”

He also added that it was Man United who said no to a return.

Steven Gerrard

Liverpool born and bred, Steven Gerrard is one of the finest players to ever wear the famous red shirt, and there was never any risk of him turning out for their sworn enemy.

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In his autobiography, the club legend revealed that he was once scolded as a child for wearing United legend Bryan Robson‘s shirt.

It had nothing to do with wanting to support Man United, but rather an ode to the combative midfielder who captained England and who was also a hero to David Beckham.

He wrote: “I slipped out of my Liverpool shirt, and put the Robson one on.

Gerrard then went on: “Unfortunately, dad looked out the window and went ballistic.

“‘Get inside now!’ he screamed.”

There was no chance of Gerrard wearing anything other than the Liver Bird from then on.

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