Manchester United could capitalise on Sadio Mane’s unsettled situation as Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his squad.
Sadio Mane could be the perfect acquisition for Manchester United this summer, despite his past with bitter rivals Liverpool. The out-of-favour Bayern Munich forward’s previous comments suggest that he would be extremely useful for Erik ten Hag, who will hope to add to his silverware collection in his second season at Old Trafford.
Reports from Germany indicate that Mane will be put in the shop window this summer after just one season in the Bundesliga. A well-publicised confrontation with team-mate Leroy Sane and a change of manager have seen the Senegalese tumble down the pecking order, raising questions over his long-term future.
Although his stint in Bavaria may be cut short, a superb haul of 111 Premier League goals in 263 appearances across spells with Southampton and Liverpool is set to make him a major attraction during the summer transfer window.
A return to England has been touted as his most likely option, and while joining United would surely expose him to the wrath of Liverpool fans, Ten Hag may be tempted to test the waters regardless.
Sadio Mane is expected to leave Bayern Munich this summer (Image: GETTY)
Sky Germany have called Mane a ‘good fit’ for the Red Devils, and his versatility would make him an invaluable asset in Ten Hag’s squad. The 31-year-old’s willingness to play in virtually any attacking position is evidenced by a phone call he had with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp before signing in 2016.
“He asked what position I wanted, because he could see at Southampton I played on the right side and I used to play on the left,” Mane told The Telegraph last year. “I said I prefer left, and then he said, ‘But [Philippe] Coutinho is on the left!’ So I said, never mind, I will play on the right. I could see myself in all the positions.”
A readiness to play across the forward line would ease the pressure on Ten Hag’s squad as they close in on a return to the Champions League. United are expected to pursue a big-name striker this summer, and while Marcus Rashford is another immovable member of the attack, there remains space for another high-quality player to bring fresh competition.
Mane has only started 18 Bundesliga matches this campaign, scoring seven goals, and Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is expected to go in a different direction when reshuffling his squad at the end of the season.
Erik ten Hag is expected to pursue attacking reinforcements at Old Trafford (Image: Getty)
The former Liverpool winger has already admitted that a move to Old Trafford nearly materialised in 2016. “I was really close to going to Manchester United,” he explained to The 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 Klopp’s project.”
