Sadio Mane snubbed Manchester United to move to Liverpool

Former Southampton forward Sadio Mane has confirmed that he had spurned a chance to move to Manchester United in order to come to Liverpool this summer. The Senegalese striker was transferred from the St. Mary's this summer. He said that Jurgen Klopp was a major reason behind his decision to make his way to Merseyside this summer.

"Yes. It was true," Mane said, when asked if he had declined the supposed interest from United, as quoted by the Mirror. "There was interest from a lot of clubs, not just Manchester United , but as soon as I knew Liverpool were interested I just felt it was the right club - and with the right coach – and right for me to come here."

Mane scored 11 and assisted 6 in 37 appearances for the Saints last season, including a hattrick against Liverpool in the league. He has joined the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino in the frontline.

Mario Balotelli and Christian Benteke are expected to make their way out of the club while Klopp is the market for atleast another signing. The Reds have already started their pre-season training and are currently in America, where they will take on Chelsea in a friendly on Thursday, 28 July.

However, Manchester United have not done so badly on the transfer front themselves, with Jose Mourinho completing three signings thus far in the form of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly. They are also closing in on a world record deal for Paul Pogba, with the transfer currently held up following the payment of agent fees to Mino Raiola.

The Reds begin their campaign with a trip to Arsenal on the opening day of the season and will be desperate to establish their top four credentials against a team who are struggling with options at the back and up front. The Gunners have multiple players unavailable for the game following their participation in the Euros and have recently been dealt a setback in the form of Per Mertesacker, who is out with a knee injury.