Sadio Mané has revealed that concerns about regular playing time influenced his decision to turn down Manchester United before eventually joining Liverpool.
The Senegalese forward recalled receiving a phone call from former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, who expressed his desire to bring him to Old Trafford.
According to Mané, Van Gaal assured him that he had the talent to improve the team and develop further under his guidance.
However, Mané was concerned about his chances of securing a regular starting place, given the attacking options already available at United, including Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney, Ángel Di María and Robin van Persie.
“I told him, ‘You have Depay, Rooney, Di María and Van Persie… so where am I going to play?’” Mané recalled.
The former Senegal captain explained that regular football was his priority, insisting that he did not want to join a prestigious club only to spend significant time on the bench.
Although Van Gaal reportedly told him that his performances in training would determine his opportunities, Mané said the explanation did not fully convince him.
The situation changed when Jürgen Klopp contacted him a few days later. The conversation proved decisive in shaping his next career move.
Mané eventually joined Liverpool from Southampton in June 2016, becoming one of the key figures in Klopp’s team. He played a crucial role in Liverpool’s success, helping the club win the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League title in 2020.
His account highlights how the prospect of regular playing time and a manager’s vision can influence a player’s decision, even when an opportunity arises at one of football’s biggest clubs.
