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Former Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin insisted his ex-Southampton team-mate Sadio Mane was right to turn down an Old Trafford move for Liverpool.
Mane put the Premier League on notice after an impressive two-year spell with the Saints between 2014 and 2016.
Of course, the Senegal international subsequently went on to establish himself as one of the best players in world football, operating on Liverpool’s flank.
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During his time at Anfield, Mane scored 120 goals in 269 appearances and was central to Jurgen Klopp’s side’s fortunes as they went on to win every major honour possible.
However, things could have been very different if Schneiderlin had got his way.
The former Southampton and United midfielder admitted he had tried to convince Mane to sign for United.
Schneiderlin on Mane
Schneiderlin, who spent two years at United after transferring from the Saints in 2015, revealed that ex-boss Louis van Gaal wanted him to persuade Mane to make the switch to the Red Devils.
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However, despite the Frenchman’s best efforts Mane chose to stay at United for a further year, before making the move to Liverpool for around £30million.
Speaking on the Players Pod Schneiderlin said: “From the first day, you could see that he had something about him.
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“It took him a bit of time, a few months, to get really going. And then as soon as he started to score some goals, it was game over. It was amazing.
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“I remember Louis van Gaal asking me about him coming to Man United. I tried my best for him to come as well.”
Schneiderlin admitted, however, that Mane made the right call choosing Liverpool.
The midfielder continued: “He wanted to stay one more year and go to Liverpool.
“I think the choice that he made was amazing. He arrived in the Liverpool squad that was just untouchable at the time.”
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Football, Manchester United, Liverpool, Sadio Mane, Premier League, Southampton