Jurgen Klopp respects Manchester United upswing but 'couldn't be less interested' in their achievements

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he has not missed facing a competitive Manchester United side but, while he respects counterpart Erik ten Hag's Old Trafford revolution, he "couldn't be less interested" in their achievements.

United arrive at Anfield on Sunday looking to do the double over their arch-rivals for the first time since January 2016, which was Klopp's first encounter with them.

And after last season's 9-0 aggregate win for Liverpool, the tables have turned slightly, with United now in the ascendency and the 23 points amassed post-World Cup the most of any team in the competition, having lost just three of their last 22 league matches and won the Carabao Cup.

Klopp's side, by contrast, have been struggling all campaign, and while they have steadied the ship with three wins and a draw in their last four league games, third-placed United still have the edge over them heading into the fixture.

"Great, United's doing well. I didn't miss them," said a laughing Klopp as he punched the air.

"I can imagine how annoying it was for the last few years when we were there and everyone was talking about 'Klopp did this and Klopp is doing that. Outstanding. And they are bringing in young players'. It is really 'ugh' (sticking his fingers down his throat).

"They deserve it, they deserve where they are. They won the points, they played good football like all the others as well.

"This is not where we are this year but we were there the last few years and we want to go there again, 100%.

"But apart from that I couldn't be less interested in what they are doing. I just respect what they do and then I analyse it.

"Yes, they play a better season than us so far but thank God that means absolutely nothing for the game on Sunday.

"We have