Liverpool FC star Sadio Mane makes Man United admission
Liverpool FC winger Sadio Mane reveals he spoke to Man United manager Louis van Gaal before his move to Anfield in 2016
Sadio Mane has revealed that he was close to a move to Manchester United before the Senegal winger ended up at Liverpool FC.
The 27-year-old played a big role in Liverpool FC’s push for the Premier League title this season with five goals in their last five games.
Mane moved to Liverpool FC in a £34m deal from Southampton in the 2016 summer transfer window after he was previously linked with a switch to Manchester United.
Although there was some criticism of the size of the transfer fee, Mane has repaid Jurgen Klopp’s faith with 59 goals in 122 games in all competitions.
Mane lifted the lid on his discussions with Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal before his switch to Liverpool FC.
“Yes, I was really, really close because I even met up with them. So I was coming, I was there and I spoke with the boss who was there before (Van Gaal),” Mane is quoted as saying by Metro.
“They made an offer, but in the same week, Klopp called me. He said: ‘I think it’s the right club. The right coach for me, and I think it’s better that I go to Liverpool.’
“For me I think it was the right time as well. I said, ‘I am going to Liverpool.'”
The African forward has established himself as one of the best attacking players in the Premier League over the past two seasons.
Mane finished as the Premier League’s joint leading goal-scorer alongside Mohamed Salah and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero this term.
Indeed, the 27-year-old has scored 46 times in all competitions over the 24 months at the 18-time English champions under Jurgen Klopp.
Mane has also featured in successive Champions League finals against Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur – and finished as a Premier League runner-up this term.
