Sadio Mane Reveals Why He Turned Down Manchester United

Sadio Mane was close to joining Manchester United before his eventual move to Liverpool, but the Senegalese star has now opened up about the reasons behind his decision to snub Old Trafford in favor of Anfield.

Sadio Mane’s Manchester United Talks: The Inside Story

Sadio Mane’s rise through European football began at Red Bull Salzburg before he made headlines with his dynamic performances at Southampton. At the peak of his time with the Saints, Mane was not only impressing Premier League audiences but also attracting interest from some of England’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United.

Mane has revealed that, a year before his switch to Liverpool, he was in advanced discussions with then-United manager Louis van Gaal. United wanted to secure his signature, but Mane had reservations. “Manchester United called me that time, I was talking to Van Gaal. Rooney was there. And Di María was there. And … and Depay was there. When they failed to get me, they bought Martial,” Mane explained.

Why Mane Rejected Manchester United

The primary focus keyword, “Sadio Mane Manchester United,” was at the heart of one of the most intriguing transfer stories of recent years. Mane questioned where he would fit into a squad already brimming with high-profile attackers such as Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Angel Di Maria, Memphis Depay, and Anthony Martial. Van Gaal assured him he would have a chance to compete for a starting role, but Mane wasn’t fully convinced.

“I was not convinced about his explanation. I talked to the coach, but he told me that I will play if I’m good; if not. But at the time, me, I was not ready, I can say. I was young. I still needed someone to help me more. And one or two more years to become what I want to be,” Mane recalled.

Temptation from Tottenham and the Move to Liverpool

Manchester United weren’t the only giants eyeing the dynamic forward. Tottenham Hotspur, led by Mauricio Pochettino, also made a strong case for Mane’s signature. “I have a meeting with Tottenham. At the same time, Mauricio Pochettino called him [my agent] and he said, ‘I want to have Sadio to come to Tottenham training ground.’ And then I go to Tottenham training ground one week after. I see the facility, I meet the coach, I talk to him, and I was more convinced than the Man United project.”

Despite the tempting offer from Spurs, it was Liverpool who ultimately secured Mane’s services in June 2016 for a then club-record fee of up to £36 million. Mane’s decision proved fruitful, as he transformed into one of Liverpool’s modern icons, scoring 120 goals in 269 appearances and helping the club to Premier League and Champions League titles.

The Aftermath: Mane’s Career Flourishes Post-Liverpool

Following his successful six-year spell at Anfield, Mane made a high-profile move to Bayern Munich before joining Al-Nassr in 2023. Now aiming for new heights with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, Mane remains ambitious. “It’s normal to dream big because Al Nassr is one of the best teams in the league. The title, we know [that it’s a target], so we don’t need to talk about it,” Mane said. With new signings like Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix, Mane believes Al-Nassr is set for an exciting season.

Sadio Mane Manchester United Decision: A Career-Defining Call

Looking back, Mane’s choice to turn down Manchester United and wait for the right move was pivotal. He recognized the importance of regular playing time for his development, something that might not have been guaranteed at Old Trafford. His patience and self-awareness ultimately allowed him to join Liverpool at the perfect time, where he became an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s attacking force.

Opinion: Mane’s Patience Was the Key to His Greatness

Sadio Mane’s decision to prioritize playing opportunities and personal development over prestige highlights his professionalism and football intelligence. Many players might have been enticed by Manchester United’s stature, but Mane’s patience paid off spectacularly. His story is a reminder for young talents to carefully consider their career moves. For more insightful football stories, visit for more news.