Klopp cops for ‘buying title’ jibe

UNITED manager Jose Mourinho has accused Liverpool of trying to buy the Premier League title.

Jurgen Klopp’s side spent £177m in the summer transfer window bringing in Roma goalkeeper Alisson while also adding Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri to their squad and Mourinho has had a dig at United’s Merseyside rivals.

Klopp criticised United’s decision to pay a then world record fee for Paul Pogba in 2016 when he said: “Other clubs can go out and spend more money and collect top players. I want to do it differently. I would even do it differently if I could spend that money.”

But fast forward two years and Liverpool were the highest spenders in the summer transfer window and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by Mourinho.

The United boss was asked by Sky Sports if this will be the hardest season to win the Premier League given the strength of United’s rivals.

“I think Liverpool are trying to buy the title, but when I say buying I mean ‘buying’ with amazing investment,” Mourinho said. “Chelsea has a fantastic squad, City have a fantastic squad too.”

Mourinho also credited Tottenham, who didn’t sign anybody in the transfer window, for a successful summer.

“And Tottenham made an incredible investment too by keeping their players,” Mourinho added.

“That’s the best investment they could make because they could be having to spend £200m if they lose Harry Kane and Eriksen.

“The biggest investment was keeping their players. Arsenal will be better too, despite losing their first two matches. I think it’s going to be a very hard season.”

United were interested in signing Toby Alderweireld from Spurs earlier in the summer but failed to negotiate a deal with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.