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Instead, Mane went on to join Liverpool, and played a huge role in the Reds' success under Jurgen Klopp.

Mane signed for Liverpool from Southampton in 2016, with the Reds paying £36 million to sign the forward.

The Senegal international went on to score 120 goals in 269 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, helping it win the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and UEFA Champions League during a six-year spell.

However, Mane could have ended up at Liverpool's fierce rival, United.

"Manchester United called me that time," Mane said. "I was talking to [Louis] van Gaal.

"[Wayne] Rooney was there. And [Angel] Di Maria was there. And [Memphis] Depay was there. When they failed to get me, they bought [Anthony] Martial."

Mane explained he turned United down as he felt his opportunities would be limited.

Mane added: "Van Gaal called me and he said, 'Mane, how are you? What are you doing?' He said, "I want you to come to Manchester United."

"[Van Gaal said], 'We'll see what is the best, because I know you're a good player and you can help the team, and we can help you also to become better players'."

"And then I said, 'OK, so my question: you have Depay, you have Rooney, you have Di María, you have [Robin] van Persie. So where am I going to play?' That was my question, because me, I want to play.

"He said, 'I know your talent, you're good. But if you do good training, make a good impression, you will play'.

"I was not convinced about his explanation. I talked to the coach, but he told me that I will play if I'm good; if not ...

"But at the time, me, I was not ready, I can say. I was young. I still needed someone to help me more. And one or two more years to become what I want to be.

"Because I was still at Southampton; I was not consistent."

Now at Al-Nassr, Mane also confirmed he was approached by Tottenham Hotspur prior to his switch to Liverpool, too.

He said: "I had a meeting with Tottenham. At the same time, [Mauricio] Pochettino called him [my agent] and he said, 'I want to have Sadio to come to Tottenham training ground'."

"And then I go to Tottenham training ground one week after. I see the facility, I meet the coach, I talk to him and I was more convinced than the Man United project.

"Because Man United – the problem was too many big players."