Sadio Mané has revealed that he turned down a transfer to Manchester United in 2015 due to concerns about playing time. The Senegalese forward stated that he was not convinced by former manager Louis van Gaal’s assurances about his role in the team.
Rejection of Manchester United
During a candid discussion on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Mané shared his experience while at Southampton. He noted that he had a conversation with Van Gaal during which the manager spoke highly of his potential contributions.
Despite this interest, Mané felt uncertain. He remarked, “When I asked about playing opportunities, I realized they had several established stars, including Wayne Rooney and Ángel Di María.” His cautious outlook led him to decline the offer.
Choice of Liverpool
A year after his talks with United, Mané made the decision to join Liverpool for £36 million (approximately $47 million). His time with Liverpool proved fruitful, as he played a crucial role in their success in both the Champions League and the Premier League.
Alternatives Considered
Mané also mentioned interest from Tottenham Hotspur during the same period. He felt that the opportunity to work with Mauricio Pochettino offered a clearer path for his development compared to the situation at United.
- Player Profile: Sadio Mané
- Former Clubs: Southampton, Liverpool, Al Nassr
- 2015 Transfer Talks: Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur
- Transfer Fee to Liverpool: £36 million ($47 million)
- Achievements: Key player in Champions League and Premier League victories
Mané emphasized his desire to play regularly. His preference for a supportive environment over competition with multiple high-profile players led him to make the choice that significantly shaped his career.
