Senegalese football star Sadio Mané has made a stunning revelation about why he rejected a move to Manchester United back in 2016, choosing instead to join Liverpool where he became a Premier League legend.
The Fateful Decision That Shaped a Career
In a recent interview with ESPN, the Al-Nassr forward recalled the pivotal moment when his career could have taken a completely different direction. In 2016, while still playing for Southampton, Mané received a direct approach from Manchester United and then-manager Louis van Gaal.
"Manchester United called me that time, I was talking to Van Gaal," Mané explained during the chat. "Rooney was there. And Di María was there. And Depay was there. When they failed to get me, they bought Martial."
Playing Time Concerns Led to United Rejection
The Senegal international's main concern centered around the intense competition for attacking positions at Old Trafford. With established stars like Wayne Rooney, Ángel Di María, Memphis Depay, and Robin van Persie already in the squad, Mané questioned where he would fit in.
"So where am I going to play?" Mané recalled asking Van Gaal. "That was my question, because me, I want to play."
Although the Dutch manager assured him that good performances in training would guarantee playing time, Mané admitted he wasn't convinced by this explanation. "I was not convinced about his explanation," the forward stated candidly.
Choosing Development Over Prestige
Mané revealed that at that stage of his career, he needed more support and development time. "I was young. I still needed someone to help me more. And one or two more years to become what I want to be," he explained, acknowledging that he was still inconsistent during his Southampton days.
The turning point came when Jürgen Klopp intervened with a phone call that ultimately secured Mané's signature for Liverpool. This decision proved transformative for both the player and the club.
During his six-year spell at Anfield, Mané established himself as a Premier League icon, scoring 120 goals in 269 appearances for the Reds before his move to Bayern Munich in 2022. His choice to join Liverpool rather than Manchester United ultimately paved the way for numerous trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League titles.
This revelation provides fascinating insight into how career decisions made at crucial moments can shape a footballer's legacy, with Mané's choice ultimately benefiting both his personal development and Liverpool's success during their trophy-laden years under Klopp.
