Dortmund officials expect Klopp to join Manchester United. (©GettyImages). Borussia Dortmund officials are privately expecting Jurgen Klopp to join Manchester United when his contract expires in 2018, according to The Evening Standard.
Klopp is widely considered to be one of the most forward-thinking managers in the game today and was heavily linked with the vacant position at Old Trafford when David Moyes departed. The German ruled himself out of contention and Louis van Gaal landed the role.
Short-term option
At 63-years-old, Van Gaal is not considered the long term option Manchester United fans were hoping for when Moyes succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson. The Red Devils have built their foundations around stability, but the Dutchman is not expected to be in charge for anywhere near the 27 years Ferguson enjoyed.
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Van Gaal was given a three-year contract, taking him until 2017, but a four-year stint would be achievable should he succeed in revitalising the struggling squad. In fact Borussia Dortmund officials believe that Manchester United will be ready to replace Van Gaal as soon as the summer of 2018, taking their chance to snatch Klopp away from the Westfalenstadion when his contract expires.
Klopp credentials
Klopp has achieved cult status in European football. Not only has he earned praise for building a successful Borussia Dortmund team on a shoestring budget, but he is also loved for his good humour and passion.
Having taken charge of a disintegrated Dortmund side in 2008, Klopp managed to develop a host of young stars and win the German double in the 2011/12 season. That double included their second Bundesliga title in two years.
Since then, Dortmund have struggled to keep pace with the marketing machine that is Bayern Munich, but a narrow loss in the Champions League final against their domestic rivals won the hearts and minds of football fans across Europe.
Ryan Giggs snub
At 47-years-old, Klopp would be the long-term option that Manchester United have been searching for. However, his appointment, which, to repeat, is expected by Borussia Dortmund officials, would be a significant blow for Ryan Giggs's chances of becoming United's manager.
Giggs took charge of four games last season as caretaker manager and in now assistant to Van Gaal. A legend of the club, many fans would love to see Giggs given the chance as manager in the future. However, Klopp would be expected to stay at Manchester United for the long-term and Giggs has already stated he would be prepared to leave Old Trafford to gain managerial experience.
“I could have another 20 to 25 years in the game – and it might not all be spent at United," Giggs said in May.
“If I went elsewhere it would be strange, but I can see myself doing that.
“The association I have with United will always be special – if I have to do it I’ll do it, but how it will feel I don’t know."
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