Now, Mane is set for a return to the league where he has scored over 100 goals, with clubs from elsewhere in Europe said to be unable to afford his wages.
Sadio Mane was a huge hit in English football – and could be returning (Image credit: Getty)
It's actually resurfaced via The Mirror that the Senegalese actually agreed on a deal with the Red Devils prior to a move to Liverpool. United could now feasibly get their man seven years after first trying.
"I have to say, I was really close to going to Manchester United," Mane told the Daily Telegraph. "I had the contract there. I had it all agreed. It was all ready, 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.'"
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Louis van Gaal wanted to bring Sadio Mane to Old Trafford originally (Image credit: PA)
United are said to be chasing a forward this summer with Harry Kane top of Erik ten Hag's list to join. Mane could well offer an interesting Plan B, however, given that he has played effectively as a centre-forward at Liverpool.
Mane is valued at around €45 million by Transfermarkt.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
