Senegalese forward Sadio Mane has disclosed that he turned down an approach from Manchester United before opting to join Liverpool in 2016.
While at Southampton, Mane was heavily courted by several clubs but ultimately chose the Reds, completing a £30 million transfer. The Senegal international admitted that he was unconvinced by assurances of regular playing time from then-United manager Louis van Gaal.
“Manchester United called me that time,” Mane said on Rio Ferdinand Presents. “I was talking to van Gaal that time. [Wayne] Rooney was there. And [Angel] Di María was there. And [Memphis] Depay was there. When they failed to get me, they bought [Anthony] Martial.”
During his six-year stint at Anfield, Mane made 269 appearances for Liverpool, netting 120 goals before moving to Bayern Munich in 2022.
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