Arsenal legend Ian Wright has opined Manchester United "made a big mistake" by not signing Sadio Mane before he joined heated rivals Liverpool
Manchester United were interested in signing Sadio Mane when he was at Southampton before he joined Liverpool.
Speaking to the Mirror in 2019 following the Red Devil's interest, the Senegal international said: "I was really, really close because I even met up with them.
"So I was coming, I was there and I spoke with the boss who was there before [Louis van Gaal]. They made an offer, but in the same week, Klopp called me.
"He said: 'I think it’s the right club. The right coach for me, and I think it’s better that I go to Liverpool'. For me I think it was the right time as well. I said, 'I am going to Liverpool.'
"At that time, leaving Southampton, I saw many clubs, but I think Liverpool is the right club for me.
"I play against Liverpool, I play against City, United, every team and I scored a lot against Liverpool when I was at Southampton, but still I thought this club is my club!"
Now, Wright has claimed United made a big error by not being able to persuade Mane to complete his move to Old Trafford.
Speaking on his new podcast Wrighty’s House , Wright said: "Remember Man United were all over him, you know.
"I think they spoke to him but he said no. Manchester United weren’t right for him.
"Again, you feel like Man United made a big mistake by not making that signing. By not being in the position to make that signing.
"As a football team, they were nowhere near giving him the kind of philosophy, what they’re going to do to attract a player like Mane.
"He's now easily one of the best in the world."
Mane has gone on to score 85 goals for Liverpool in 178 appearances, forming a formidable attacking trio with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
He has helped the Reds lift the Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup during his time at Anfield.