Manchester United and England legend David Beckham has revealed he was concerned at the prospects of a rejuvenated Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp took over last year, the Mirror reports.
The charismatic coach joined the Reds last October following Brendan Rodgers' sacking after building a formidable and successful reputation at Borussia Dortmund.
Klopp, 49, steered Liverpool to a disappointing eighth-placed finish but his full-throttle football managed to see his new side compete in the Captial One cup and Europa League finals.
But with Manchester United struggling at the time under Louis van Gaal, Beckham has recalled feeling uneasy at the prospect of Liverpool becoming a major force in English football under Klopp.
The former Real Madrid star told Sky Sports: "When he first went in, I started to think, "?this could be worrying as a Man United fan to see Liverpool coming back to being up there again with the big teams'."
The former England captain has, however, revealed those initial feelings have been eased significantly with the appointment of Jose Mourinho at United and the arrivals of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Antonio Conte at Chelsea.
Although he still maintains Klopp and Liverpool could have a big input into where the Premier League ends up next May, the former United winger is predicting his former side will lift their 21st English league title.
"It makes it unpredictable, but with Klopp going in at Liverpool, you could see the change (last season),"? Beckham said.
"But Jose (Mourinho) going to United and (Antonio) Conte going to Chelsea and Pep (Guardiola going to City) "? who I love, I have been a big fan of his for so many years, both on the pitch and off the pitch, he does so much for a team.
"So it will be unpredictable, but I do think it will be one of those teams who will be champions at the end of the year.
"I am going to have to say United (will win the league). I will always be on that side of the fence."?
"?"?