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Jurgen Klopp eyed for return as Manchester United could spark manager chaos

Klopp enjoyed nine years in Liverpool
-Credit: (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)


Jurgen Klopp is reportedly being targeted for a managerial return by Inter Milan, with the Italian club's current manager, Simone Inzaghi, linked with the Manchester United job.

Klopp has been out of work since leaving Liverpool at the end of last season, and in the summer he suggested that his managerial days may well be behind him.

“As of today, that’s it for me as a coach,” Klopp said. “I didn’t quit on a whim, but it was a general decision. I’ve also coached the best clubs in the world. Maybe we can talk about it again in a few months. I still want to work in football and help people with my experience and contacts. Let’s see what else there is for me.”

It is claimed by Inter Live that Klopp is on Inter's two-man shortlist of possible replacements for Inzaghi, with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone also under consideration. Inzaghi is contracted to Inter until the summer of 2026 but United could approach the Italian over the possibility of taking over at Old Trafford next summer.

The United hierarchy is unsurprisingly said to be unhappy with the team's form under Erik ten Hag, with the Red Devils having won just three of their eight matches this season and suffered heavy home losses at the hands of Liverpool and Tottenham. The Daily Star reports that Inzaghi has emerged as a serious contender to take over from Ten Hag, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly set to consider what course of action to take during the October international break.

Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi
Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi has been linked with Manchester United -Credit:Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

United has two tricky matches coming up, away to Porto in the Europa League and away to United in the Premier League, and defeats in those matches could spell the end of the Dutchman's time in charge of the club.

United only triggered an option to extend Ten Hag's contract until 2026 during the summer, and there is said to be some reluctance from Ratcliffe to sack him. However, United's minority owner will listen to the opinions of football professionals such as Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth when making a decision on Ten Hag's future.

Gareth Southgate is said to have several admirers at Old Trafford, but Inzaghi has a recent track record of success at a huge European club, winning Serie A last season as well as two Coppa Italias. Inzaghi also guided the Nerazzurri to the Champions League final in 2023, where they were narrowly beaten by Manchester City.