Jurgen Klopp used his pre-Manchester United press conference to talk up Marcus Rashford ahead of this weekend’s game.
Manchester United visit Liverpool on Sunday in the Premier League, looking to extend a 10 point advantage.
Erik ten Hag has turned Manchester United’s form around, sparked by a 2-1 win over Liverpool earlier in the season.
United are on a strong run of form, lifting the Carabao Cup last week to end a six year trophy drought.
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Klopp talks up Marcus Rashford
The mind games have begun, with Klopp praising Marcus Rashford’s form. The England striker has struck 25 goals for Manchester United this season.
Klopp said: “I’m really happy for Rashford, very difficult last year… Now he’s playing incredible. His speed, technique, how calm he is in front of goal.”
The excuse-laden manager also said Manchester United deserve to be in the position we are in, even though he is not enjoying it.
He went on: “Yeah, United is doing well, great! I didn’t miss them [being good]! You see them and think from time to time how good they are and it’s completely fine, they deserve to be where they are.”
Liverpool have kept five clean sheets in a row in the Premier League, winning four and drawing one.
However, they lost 5-2 at home to Real Madrid a week ago, a result which highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities.
Vinicius Jr was key in leading Real’s win and Marcus Rashford’s pace could provide a similar threat, one Klopp is clearly wary of.
A victory for Manchester United could be decisive in our favour in the race for a top four spot, and be a critical blow for Liverpool. That should give Erik ten Hag’s men even more incentive to get all three points.
Last year Liverpool won both games against United in an embarrassingly one-sided manner. It says a lot about the trajectory of both teams that the Red Devils are now being tipped to go to Anfield and win.
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