Owen would rather watch Klopp's Liverpool than Mourinho's Man United - but there's one problem

Michael Owen had admitted he would rather watch a team managed by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp than Manchester United manager Michael Owen – but his verdict is delivered with one major caveat.

Speaking exclusively to Yahoo Sport, former Liverpool and United striker Owen has suggested that Mourinho may lose support of the Old Trafford faithful ‘in the long run’ if he continues to promote a brand of football that is perceived to be lacking in ambition, especially away from home against his closest rivals.

Mourinho has failed to win any of his last 11 Premier League matches away from home against ‘top six’ rivals in a run that spans across the finals weeks of his time in charge of Chelsea and since he took over as United manager in the summer of 2016.

Winning last season’s Europa League and EFL Cup confirmed that Mourinho’s brand of management continues to be hugely successful, yet many United fans have expressed reservations over a lack of excitement generated by his team despite his success.

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Meanwhile, Klopp is answering his own critics after Liverpool’s stuttering start to the season has fuelled concerns that he is no closer to guiding the club towards the trophy success they crave a little over two years into his reign at Anfield.

BT Sport pundit Owen told us that both managers are now under scrutiny for different reasons and while he admits he would have a preference for Klopp over Mourinho in one key area, he admits latter may be a better bet for short-term success.

“If I had to choose between the brand of football Klopp promotes and the Mourinho variety, you would have to say that Klopp’s is more entertaining,” Owen told us. “Some of the attacking play Liverpool have produced this season has been fantastic, but they have obviously run into some problems as well.

“The question is whether or not Klopp’s methods will produce success for Liverpool and at this moment, Mourinho has two trophies to count on from his time at United and we are still waiting for success at Liverpool.

“I would like to think Klopp’s more adventurous and attacking style of play can produce results and when you look at what Manchester City are doing this season, it confirms that playing with real daring intention can be a recipe for success, but I would say it’s harder to win that way.”

Owen went on to suggest United fans may eventually lose patience with Mourinho’s tactics, as he believes the club’s DNA has been set by the legendary manager he worked under during his time at the club.

“Manchester United are synonymous with the attacking football Sir Alex Ferguson demanded during his 20 years winning trophy after trophy at the club and to ask fans that are used to that and have been brought up on that to accept something different now is difficult,” adds Owen.

“Mourinho has a style that may not be to everyone’s liking and I understand why United fans have expressed concerns about Mourinho’s tactics and that problem will continue as he is not going to change for anyone.

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“Winning has always been more important to Mourinho that how he gets to that destination and United knew that when they hired him, so they are in no position to complain now. Mourinho has a proven method of success and he confirmed that again last season by winning two major trophies.

“What I question is whether the United supporters will put up with this style of football against the top teams long-term because what is hailed by some as a Mourinho tactical masterclass after a 0-0 draw at Liverpool, the fans of the club he is working for now may not see it that way. They want to see their side on the front foot, but winning trophies is a very good way of keeping people happy and there are few managers better than Mourinho at doing that.”

BT Sport will screen Watford v Manchester United on Tuesday and Everton v West Ham on Wednesday – more information here.