Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has sent Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a cheeky message ahead of this weekend’s derby. Klopp is preparing his side to welcome rivals United to Anfield on Sunday for a top-of-the-table Premier League clash.

United come into the encounter three points clear of the defending champions after an encouraging period of form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The visitors have enjoyed an 11-game unbeaten run in the top-flight, with nine wins in that period propelling them past Liverpool, who have stalled in recent weeks.

Klopp’s side have failed to win any of their past three league matches, losing 1-0 to Southampton and drawing with Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion, to surrender top spot.

Despite their poor recent form, Liverpool have plenty of reasons to be confident ahead of Sunday’s 16.30 kick-off since they boast a 67-game unbeaten home run in the Premier League – a streak which stretches back to 2017.

That kind of formidable form over such a long period is the mark of a fantastic side and their performances have impressed Ferguson, who joined Klopp, former Liverpool boss Sir Kenny Dalglish and England manager Gareth Southgate on a charity Zoom call on Friday evening.

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“Thank goodness I’ve retired, I’ve seen the performance of Liverpool the last couple of years,” Ferguson said on A Team Talk With Legends – Live.

While the former United boss was complimentary of Klopp’s work, he also could not resist delivering a tongue-in-cheek message for him, which he delivered as the German coach said his farewells.

As Klopp got up to leave the conversation, Ferguson stopped him and leaned forward in his chair. “Jurgen. Jurgen,” he said, before pausing to wait for his reaction. “Get a good sleep for Sunday,” he added with a tinkle in his eye.

Klopp conducted the Zoom talk from Liverpool’s Melwood training ground having overseen training shortly beforehand.

He revealed that, although he is looking forward to the challenge, he is aware that his side are out of form compared to their opponents.

Unsurprisingly, Ferguson is relishing the opportunity to watch a derby which helped establish his legendary aura during 27 years at United.

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“It’s always gonna be the match of the season,” the 79-year-old said.

“The derby games, City vs United, Arsenal vs Tottenham, the Birmingham derbies, but I’ve always considered the Manchester United and Liverpool derby the game of the season. “Quite simply, the two most successful teams in Britain when you add up all the trophies they’ve won together. It’s obvious that you have to beat Liverpool to win anything.

“It’s similar to when I was at Aberdeen – you had to beat Rangers and Celtic to win anything and you can add a mental attitude to that. In reality, it is the game.

“Liverpool’s success over the ‘70s and ‘80s was phenomenal. To do that, I had to take a road that was always gonna be difficult, it meant I had to wait in terms of building the club.

“I’ve got great respect for Liverpool, I always have.”