Klopp ‘happy’ for Rashford following Man Utd forward’s performance this season

After Marcus Rashford’s improvement in play, Jürgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, says he is “really happy” for the Manchester United forward.

The 25-year-old only managed five goals in 2021–22 but has scored 25 for United this season.

On Sunday, Liverpool and United will face off in the Premier League at Anfield (16:30 GMT).

“It’s pretty much impossible to be happy about something positive at Manchester United when you are the Liverpool manager,” Klopp said.

“But I am really happy for Rashford because he had a very difficult last year where he was not performing on the level that he is able to perform.

“Now he is playing incredible. His speed, his technique – it is a mix of everything, how calm he is in front of goal, he scores ‘worldies’, he scores the simple ones.”

Klopp called United, who are third in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup last weekend, a “results machine”.

Rashford scored Manchester United’s second in their win over Newcastle United at Wembley as Erik ten Hag led the Old Trafford club to their first trophy since 2017.

However, Klopp is aware it is not just Rashford that Liverpool need to be wary of on Sunday.

United, who sit third in the Premier League and recently won the Carabao Cup, were dubbed a “results machine” by Klopp.

Erik ten Hag led Manchester United to their first trophy since 2017 as Rashford scored the club’s second goal in their victory over Newcastle United at Wembley.

But, Klopp is aware that Liverpool must exercise caution on Sunday against opponents other than Rashford.

“I really like [Bruno] Fernandes. His movement is really smart. I like the way he shows up, all of a sudden he is there,” he said.

“Casemiro is also linking up with Fred alongside him. The man-marking way they defend makes it really physical.

“They also have the counter-attacks and the other winger, whoever that may be – [Jadon] Sancho – and up front, the Dutch fella [Wout Weghorst] is really physical, so it is a good set-up.”

Ten Hag’s first competitive victory as United’s manager came in August when United defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford in the most recent meeting between the teams.

After finishing 34 points behind Liverpool in the previous season, United is 10 points ahead of them going into the game on Sunday.