‘Where am I going to play?’ – Sadio Mane explains why he snubbed Man Utd before choosing Liverpool

Sadio Mane says he declined a move to Manchester United because he feared a lack of playing time, a concern that shaped a crucial moment in his early Premier League journey.

The Senegal forward explained that the depth of United’s attacking options left him unsure about regular minutes, prompting him to remain at Southampton before later completing a career-defining transfer to Liverpool.

Mane arrived in the Premier League in 2014 as a rising talent from Red Bull Salzburg, joining Southampton on deadline day.

His first campaign produced 10 league goals and helped propel Southampton to seventh place, their highest finish in decades.

That form sparked interest from major clubs, and United explored a deal amid pressure to reinforce their frontline. At the time, however, the possibility of signing a relatively untested young winger drew scepticism from fans and pundits.

Mane explained that United’s crowded attack influenced his reluctance. He recalled speaking with Louis van Gaal at length and assessing the competition for positions. “I was talking to Van Gaal at that time. Rooney was there. And Di María was there … and Depay was there,” he said.

He added that the situation raised a straightforward concern for him: “So where am I going to play?”

Van Gaal attempted to persuade him to make the switch, but Mane said the assurances were not enough. “Van Gaal called me and he said, ‘Mané, how are you? What are you doing?’ He said, ‘I want you to come to Manchester United.’”

Mane explained that the answer still lacked clarity, noting the manager’s stance that he could earn minutes only through impressive training sessions.

Mane admitted the explanation failed to convince him. “I was not convinced about his explanation. But at the time, me, I was not ready, I can say. I was young. I still needed someone to help me more.”

Around the same period, he also held discussions with Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur, describing that meeting as more appealing than what United presented.

Even so, Mane opted to stay at Southampton for another year, a decision that eventually cleared the way for Liverpool’s £36 million move in 2016, launching a spell that delivered major trophies and global acclaim.