Sadio Mane has revealed that he came close to joining Manchester United before eventually signing for Liverpool, explaining how a direct conversation with Louis van Gaal shaped his decision. After a standout 2014–15 season at Southampton—where he scored 10 goals and added three assists in 30 Premier League appearances—the forward became one of the most sought-after players in England.
Speaking to ESPN, Mane shared that United made serious contact a year before his Liverpool move. Van Gaal personally reached out, expressing his admiration for Mane’s talent and urging him to join the project at Old Trafford.
Mane recalled the early discussions, saying, “Manchester United called me that time; I was talking to Van Gaal,” highlighting how the Dutch manager saw him as a key addition to the squad.
Concerns Over Playing Time and a Crowded Attack
Despite Van Gaal’s enthusiasm, Sadio Mane admitted he had reservations about joining United due to the already stacked attacking lineup. At the time, United boasted stars such as Wayne Rooney, Angel Di Maria, Memphis Depay. Besides that, there was also Anthony Martial, who arrived after United failed to secure Mane.
Mane questioned where he would fit, explaining, “So my question is, you have Depay, you have Rooney, you have Di Maria… so where am I going to play?’” That was my question, because I want to play.”
Van Gaal attempted to reassure him, insisting that strong training performances could earn him a spot. However, Mane remained unconvinced by the explanation. They are sensing that immediate playing time was far from guaranteed with so many established forwards already in the squad.
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A Young Player Seeking Guidance and Stability
The Senegalese star further explained that he was not fully ready at the time to take on such intense competition. “I was not convinced about his explanation… I was young. I still needed someone to help me more,” Mane said. Besides that, he revealed his desire for an environment where he could develop steadily.
He felt that he needed “one or two more years to become what I want to be,” acknowledging his inconsistency at Southampton and his need for a clearer pathway to growth.
Ultimately, the uncertainty around his role at United led him to reconsider his options rather than jumping into a situation where he might struggle for minutes.
Why Mane Walked Away and Chose a Different Path
After weighing his options, Mane and his camp decided to wait and see what opportunities would come next. Though Van Gaal insisted, “I know your talent; you’re good… you will play,” Mane still felt the project lacked clarity for a young player at a critical stage of development.
This hesitation opened the door for Liverpool the following year. Besides that, where Mane found the guidance, trust, and consistent playing time he was looking for—ultimately evolving into one of the Premier League’s top forwards.
His reflections now offer a fascinating look at how close he came to joining a rival club and how one key decision changed not only his career but also the trajectory of Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. Stay tuned for the latest football news only at footballcoasters.co.uk.