Snubbed Manchester United Transfer – And Then Became a Legend at Liverpool

Sadio Mané, the Senegalese football icon, revealed he turned down Manchester United in 2015 due to fears over limited playing time, opting instead for Liverpool where he forged his legendary status.

Mané's journey began promisingly after stints at FC Metz and Red Bull Salzburg. He exploded onto the Premier League scene with Southampton in 2014, scoring 10 goals in 30 games and helping them finish seventh—their best in 25 years. By summer 2015, Manchester United, under Louis van Gaal, pursued him aggressively. Speaking directly with Van Gaal, Mané questioned his role amid a crowded attack: "Wayne Rooney was there. Angel Di Maria was there. And Memphis Depay was there... You have Depay, you have Rooney, you have Di Maria, you have Van Persie. So where am I going to play?"[1][2]

Van Gaal assured him opportunities existed with good training, but Mané, then young and inconsistent, remained unconvinced. He prioritized regular minutes to develop, feeling he needed more guidance. United shifted to Anthony Martial after failing to land him.[3] Di María and Van Persie departed that summer anyway, while Depay flopped.

A year later, in 2016, Mané joined Liverpool for €36m (£31m) under Jürgen Klopp. The decision transformed his career. He became a Liverpool legend, amassing trophies including the Premier League and Champions League, and finishing second in the 2022 Ballon d'Or. Meanwhile, United endured a trophy drought.[1]

Now 33 and at Al-Nassr, Mané reflected on the podcast Rio Meets with Rio Ferdinand: this was his career's defining choice. Van Gaal later noted United's big-club ambitions, eyeing quick wingers like Mané alongside Neymar for shirt sales.[2] Mané's snub proved prophetic, cementing his Anfield immortality.

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