Sir Alex Ferguson's 'outstanding' gesture for Jurgen Klopp's farewell speaks volumes

Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed a fierce rivalry with Liverpool but never let that get in the way of a a warm relationship with Jurgen Klopp.

Ferguson, who led United to 13 Premier League titles, has seen the club struggle to replicate such success since his departure, with local rivals Manchester City and Liverpool dominating the division in recent years. But his admiration for Klopp has been clear.

As Klopp bid farewell to Anfield after nearly nine years at the helm last weekend, his departure was marked by fitting tributes. Managers, fans, and players alike have shared emotional moments during the German's send-off.

In the midst of numerous farewells, a meeting with Ferguson was on Klopp's schedule during his final week in Merseyside. During a Q&A session with Liverpool staff, the 56-year-old disclosed that he wouldn't be able to stay for drinks as he had an appointment with the Scot.

READ MORE: McKenna makes views known on United job as Ten Hag awaits decision

READ MORE: Three places are up for grabs in United's Cup final XI

Klopp described their dinner together as an 'outstanding' evening, marking the culmination of years of mutual respect between the two, reports the Mirror. In 2020, following Liverpool's title win, Ferguson expressed his admiration for Klopp, declaring: "The performance level of the team was outstanding. I'll forgive you for waking me up at half past three in the morning to tell me you'd won the league."

When presenting the LMA Manager of the Year award in 2022, Ferguson joked about wishing he hadn't given Klopp such useful advice, stating: "This is agony, absolute agony! ". He went on to jestingly convey his regret over helping him choose a club with history,