Sadio Mané On Why He Chose Liverpool Over Manchester United

Pretty much the easiest way to endear yourself to the Liverpool faithful is by declaring your preference for Liverpool over their rivals, Manchester United. New Reds' winger Sadio Mané has done just that, confirming that their was interest from other clubs, including United, but that he chose Liverpool as his destination largely because of the presence of Jürgen Klopp.

Regarding an interest by new United manager Jose Mourinho, Mané confirmed and said:

"Yes, it was true. There was interest from a lot of clubs, not just Manchester United, but as soon as I knew Liverpool were interested I just felt it was the right club with the right coach. It was right for me to come here.

"Liverpool are a massive club with a big history that has won many trophies over the years and as soon as I was told of the possibility to come here and I knew the manager wanted me I said yes.

"It was the right move. I recognise the size of the club and to progress to another level as a player this was the club and the moment for me. It was a step I needed to make."

This isn't the first time that a new player has cited excitement over getting to work with Liverpool's well-respected manager as the main reason for them choosing a move to Anfield. Most notably, Marko Grujić, a player lighting up the pre-season, detailed his reaction at getting a phone call from Klopp inviting him to join the team.

The fact that Liverpool have this extra ammunition in their pocket when it comes to the transfer window can only help the team going forward.

About his own Klopp call, Mané said, "It was a telephone conversation where we discussed different things. He realised I was a young player keen to work hard and progress. I said that was me. I told him I was straightforward and that I want to work hard."

Mané has another chance to prove his mettle on Wednesday when Liverpool take on Mourinho's former club, Chelsea in Pasadena, California.