Jamie Carragher believes that 'world class' Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is the difference between the title contenders and struggling rivals Manchester United.
The former Reds defender hailed the impact of the German tactician, but admitted that the Premier League standings would take on a different complexion if Klopp was instead at the Old Trafford helm.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come under increasing pressure after his side's stuttering start to the new season, leading to questions being raised over his long-term future.
Klopp had previously been linked to the hot seat at the fallen giants following his successful tenure at Borussia Dortmund, but reportedly turned down the role and later joined arch-rivals Liverpool.
The 52-year-old has since transformed the Anfield outfit, leading them to Champions League glory last term and just point behind Manchester United in a breathtaking title race.
And writing in his column for The Telegraph, Carragher labelled Klopp the difference maker between the two arch-rivals.
He said: 'I wrote two years ago that if United had appointed Pep Guardiola they would not be waiting long for the title.
'The same logic applies to Klopp. If he was United's manager, the Premier League table would look very different today.
'Let's not forget, even amid this vast improvement Liverpool still finished below United in 2016 and 2018.
'That sums up why for all the crowing about owners and executives and scouts the most important figure at any club is the manager.
'Get that right and everyone else looks better.'
Ahead of Sunday's showdown in Manchester, former Liverpool vice-captain Carragher also believes that the club's recent history will be separated into two categories - before Klopp's appointment in 2015 and after.
He added: 'The truth is, in the story of the modern Liverpool we will talk about the club before and after Klopp's arrival. The club's transformation quickened after he was unveiled in October 2015.
'Klopp led Liverpool to its current position by meeting a series of demanding but realistic targets one step at a time.
'You can spend all the hours you wish detailing the work of owners, chairmen, chief executives and heads of recruitment, but if you want to sum up what Liverpool possess that United lack, really it comes down to this – a world-class manager.'
ismaalnasi
0
u can't even think of winning 6 UCl,we took 30 years go deliver EPL but u will take more than 45 years to deliver a n another UCl ,DOnT EVEN THINK OF EQUALIZING UCL TROPHY WITH LIVERPOOL
Stupid & just speaking out of turn. However, as ignorant as you are, you should have known that before Liverpool had 18 titles to United 7. But United won 13 on d bounce to made it 20 to your 18. Not only equalizing but going 2 better than Liverpool. You are here yelling about difference of 3.
tiodemtu
0
But it's not as rotten as d hole you were delivered through.
u can't even think of winning 6 UCl,we took 30 years go deliver EPL but u will take more than 45 years to deliver a n another UCl ,DOnT EVEN THINK OF EQUALIZING UCL TROPHY WITH LIVERPOOL
ismaalnasi
0
manu is already rotten even when good managers come in,F FUCKING WASTE CLUB IN EPL
But it's not as rotten as d hole you were delivered through.
Blasebecker
1
The presence of Klopp will help Pool win the game easily
yuzaeoruyz
5
Who told you to sack me
shariinu
3
The Special One was sacked by Sir Jurgen Klopp😂😂😂 What about Ole...????
mepbdou
1
RIP UNITED
Utd4life
0
Who cares about klopp , tickets sells on utd
Utd4life
0
fergusson was spotted in Man U training
That Ferguson who f******d pool for decades😸😸😸😸
senabstuy
0
carrager is simply taking sides,,united have heard great coaches like van gal and mourinho but still didn't perform,,at united,i bet the problem is from the kitchen cabinet,,,
Womcekm
0
then Lingard has to let go and sign Bruno Fernandez and Maddison in other to create more chances for the strikers. If Ajax manager is sign by United the story would have been different
Omarsirleaf
1
carragher is 100% right we need modern tactician like pep, klop, pocke etc even Lampard is better than ole.. United got better players than Chelsea but Chelsea play better than united Bcuz of the tactics
joseadedayo
0
manu is already rotten even when good managers come in,F FUCKING WASTE CLUB IN EPL
[Crylaugh] I concur
tatbtuy
0
Is Mou not a good coach and LVG was great all better thn KLOPP So United prob ain't the coach
tiodemtu
0
The manager is the MOST important singing in a club. Once the tree is rotten, the fruit will definitely be rotten.
manu is already rotten even when good managers come in,F FUCKING WASTE CLUB IN EPL
3-111
0
fergusson was spotted in Man U training
is it bad?
Sorojena
2
fergusson was spotted in Man U training
joseadedayo
3
The manager is the MOST important singing in a club. Once the tree is rotten, the fruit will definitely be rotten.