"Why do you need me?" - Sadio Mane shares the story of how Manchester United tried to sign him
Getting regular playing time is crucial for any footballer aspiring to reach the top.
Details: The 33-year-old Al-Nassr winger and Senegal international Sadio Mane opened up about the time Manchester United offered him a contract, but he turned it down:
"When Manchester United called me, I spoke to Louis van Gaal.
Wayne Rooney was there. Angel Di Maria was there. And Memphis Depay was there.
I said: 'Okay, let me ask: you have Depay, you have Rooney, you have Di Maria, you have Van Persie. So where am I supposed to play?' Why do you need me? That was my question, because I want to play.
When they couldn't get me, they signed Anthony Martial instead." Mane admitted.
Mane joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2016 for €41 million. During his time at Liverpool, he made 269 appearances, scoring 120 goals and providing 46 assists.
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In 2023, the Senegalese forward moved from Bayern Munich to Saudi side Al-Nassr for €30 million. In the current season, Mane has played 15 matches for the Saudi giants, netting 3 goals and delivering 6 assists.
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Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert