Van Gaal reveals Manchester United almost signed this Bayern Munich star
Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has confirmed Manchester United came close to signing Sadio Mane from Southampton in 2016 until a call from Jurgen Klopp turned the tide.
Van Gaal wanted to sign Mane from Southampton after being impressed by his exploits in the 2015-16 Premier League season. The contract was drawn up after the player agreed terms but the forward changed his mind in the 11th hour and joined Liverpool.
“Sadio Mane is a true team player and this is the reason why I really wanted to sign him (at Manchester United). These are difficult players to play against,” Van Gaal told Dutch publication NOS.
Previously Mane has revealed just how close he went to joining the Red Devils: “I had the contract there. I had it all agreed. But instead, I thought, ‘No, I want to go to Liverpool.’ I was convinced to go with (Jurgen) Klopp’s project. I still remember the first time I got the call from Klopp. He said, ‘We have a big project at Liverpool and I want you to be part of it.'”
Mane joined German side Bayern Munich this summer after six years at Liverpool.