The Times reports on a more interesting piece of peripheral trivia ahead of the titanic clash at Anfield on Monday evening.
Jose Mourinho appeared to stoke the flames ahead of the clash by comparing the coaching styles of himself and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Times reports:
“I’m on the touchline to try to coach,” Mourinho said. He then waved his arms in the air, mimicking Klopp, and added: “I’m not on the touchline . . . [doing this].”
Mourinho has never been the most light-hearted manager but his stint at Manchester United has largely been marked by an increasingly solemn tone from the Portuguese.
Having steered Manchester United to three league wins at the start of the campaign his team lost three on the bounce before 3 more wins and a draw against Stoke two weeks ago.
Liverpool will rightly be seen as favourites for this game due to their form and home advantage.
But international breaks often hinder momentum. There were also definite signs before the break that Manchester United were starting to click under Mourinho.
Although Manchester United couldn’t take three points against Stoke it was one of the best performances from the men in red in recent times. They attacked with the sort of intensity that we seldom saw under Louis van Gaal and they also got the ball from back to front with much more speed.
It’s a fascinating game and a six pointer. Defeat for Manchester United could leave them months away from getting back into the top four. But a win will leave them within striking distance of top spot. Surely a draw is on the cards then!