Liverpool and Manchester United, two of the biggest football clubs in the world, have often found themselves competing not only on the field but also in the transfer market.
Both clubs, with their rich histories and significant financial power, have the ability to attract some of the planet’s top footballing talent. But what happens when these two footballing giants go head-to-head for a signing?
In recent years, Liverpool has often managed to secure deals for players who were initially linked with moves to Manchester United.
The likes of Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Darwin Núñez were all on United’s radar before Liverpool swooped in. However, the tables have turned on occasion, with United securing a key signing when Liverpool missed out. One such example is the arrival of French defender Leny Yoro, a player Manchester United was also pursuing.
A key reason why many players opt for Liverpool over United has been the influence of manager Jürgen Klopp. One of the most notable examples of Klopp’s persuasive powers came in 2016 with Sadio Mané. The Senegalese forward, who had impressed at Southampton, was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford. In fact, Mané himself admitted in 2019 that he had been “really, really close” to joining Manchester United. He recalled meeting with the club and even discussing terms before the deal was about to be finalized. However, just as the move was on the brink of completion, Klopp made his call.
The Liverpool boss personally reached out to Mané, telling him that Liverpool was the right club and that Klopp was the right coach for him. Mané reflected, “I just decided in my heart that I am coming to Liverpool because that is where I see myself.” The rest, as they say, is history.
Mané’s six-year stint at Anfield was a defining period in Liverpool’s history. From a promising talent at Southampton to one of the Premier League’s finest wingers, Mané scored 120 goals in 196 appearances for the Reds and became a central figure in one of the most dynamic attacking trios in world football alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. His contributions helped Liverpool win both the Premier League and Champions League, among other honors. Klopp’s transfer dealings often proved to be masterstrokes, and Mané’s arrival in 2016 was one of his best.
Mané himself speaks fondly of his time at Liverpool, calling it a “great” experience. He explained how he felt from day one at the club, even when Liverpool was not in the Champions League at that time. “For me, it was the right time and the right club to achieve everything,” he said.
Indeed, he achieved greatness with Liverpool, establishing himself as one of the club’s all-time greats.
While Mané’s departure to Bayern Munich in 2022 was a heartbreaking moment for Liverpool fans, they still hold him in high regard as one of the club’s modern-day legends. His legacy remains firmly intact, and Klopp’s sentiments when Mané left were full of admiration, calling him “one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players.” Klopp referred to him as a “legend” and a “modern-day Liverpool icon” in what was a fitting tribute to the player’s remarkable impact.
It’s fascinating to think how different things might have been had Mané followed through with his initial move to Manchester United.
Given his incredible success at Liverpool, it’s clear that Klopp’s influence played a pivotal role in shaping his career—and, in turn, Liverpool’s trajectory during one of their most successful eras in recent history.
