Jurgen Klopp reckons that Manchester United will "probably" begin their turnaround under new manager Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils have appointed the Dutchman on a three-year contract until June 2025, handing him the keys to Old Trafford and the almighty task of bringing back the glory days. Just three days ago, United were horrifically reminded of their predicament as they were smashed 4-0 by Klopp's Liverpool at Anfield.
After Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte brutally warned Ten Hag of the challenge ahead, Klopp has provided a more positive reaction in the lead-up to Sunday's Merseyside derby clash with Everton. Asked in his Friday morning news conference whether the current Ajax manager's arrival will prompt a Red Devils resurgence, Klopp replied: "Probably, yes. What can I say? They know now what they want to do in the next few years and can start planning for what they want to do for the future. That's it."
While Ten Hag's first task is to get United's house in order, his ultimate ambition will be replicating what Klopp has done at Liverpool over the past six years and turn one of the world's biggest - and faltering - clubs into winners once again.
And the 52-year-old is certainly braced for the monumental challenge, declaring in a statement upon his announcement: "It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead. I know the history of this great club and the passion of the fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve.
"It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United."
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Football director John Murtough, who has led the search to appoint Ten Hag after giving Ralf Rangnick the job on an interim basis in November, added: "During the past four years at Ajax, Erik has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe, renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking football and commitment to youth.
"In our conversations with Erik leading up to this appointment, we were deeply impressed with his long-term vision for returning Manchester United to the level we want to be competing at, and his drive and determination to achieve that.
"We wish Erik the best of luck as he focuses on achieving a successful end to the season at Ajax and look forward to welcoming him to Manchester United this summer."
