Sadio Mané: I chose Liverpool over Manchester United for playing time
MANCHESTER, England – Sadio Mané has revealed he declined a transfer to Manchester United in 2015 despite direct talks with Louis van Gaal, choosing instead to remain at Southampton before completing a £36 million move to Liverpool the following year.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the Senegal international said Van Gaal attempted to convince him that he would receive regular minutes at Old Trafford despite the presence of established forwards including Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Ángel Di María. Mané, however, said he was not persuaded by the Dutchman’s assurances about his role.
Mané, now 33 and playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, described the discussions as respectful but ultimately unconvincing. “Manchester United called me that time,” he said, recounting how Van Gaal insisted the forward could compete for a starting position if he impressed in training. Mané said the explanation did not provide the clarity he needed at that stage of his career. United went on to sign Anthony Martial later that summer.
The former Liverpool winger added that he felt he required more time to develop before taking on the challenge of joining a squad filled with high-profile attackers. “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 said of his mindset during his time at Southampton.
Mané also confirmed he held talks with Tottenham Hotspur in the same period and came away more impressed with Mauricio Pochettino’s vision. A visit to Spurs’ training ground, he said, left him “more convinced” than United’s proposal.
Mané eventually joined Liverpool in 2016, becoming one of Jürgen Klopp’s key forwards and playing a central role in the club’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs. His reflections on the earlier interest from United highlight how career timing and development needs shaped a decision that ultimately defined his peak years in European football.