Imagine a world where the Old Trafford scouting system had somehow missed Rashford and where Sadio Mane had eluded Liverpool, where Klopp was looking for a fast, right-footed goalscorer who could play in a narrow role on the left, who could score and had the attitude and energy he liked.

Rashford would surely tick the boxes; indeed, there were times when Rashford’s development stalled under Jose Mourinho when it was tempting to think he would have kicked on under Klopp’s coaching.

He has since progressed under Solskjaer, especially in a Mane-esque role on the left; whereas Mourinho’s wingers spent more time covering their full-backs, the Norwegian’s can be more attacking.

It might seem a rare common denominator.

United and Liverpool, first and second, are the historic enemies who are often defined by their differences. Now they can extend to tactics.

Consider Liverpool’s forward three versus United’s front four. The number is different; so, too, the emphasis. Liverpool have no No. 10; Klopp does not want a Bruno Fernandes equivalent. United have a greater divide between their defensive midfielders and the one attacking member of the three. Klopp tends to look for all-rounders.

In attack, Liverpool have a trio who, even when Diogo Jota was in scoring form, verged on being automatic choices. United have more of a vacancy on the right – if Paul Pogba plays on the left, Rashford could be shifted there on Sunday – and while Mason Greenwood, as a left-footed finisher, has certain similarities with Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian offers far more assists; 10 to one in last season’s Premier League.

If United landed their dream target, they would have a second Klopp-type footballer: Jadon Sancho feels another ideally designed for the German’s tactics, and not merely because he is being schooled at Borussia Dortmund.