Liverpool 's attacking superstar Sadio Mane turned down a move to Manchester United in 2015 when Louis van Gaal was in charge.
The former Southampton star has flourished since swapping St. Mary's for Anfield, becoming one of the best attackers in the world under Jurgen Klopp .
Van Gaal attempted to sign Mane during his time at Old Trafford.
But ESPN claim the Dutchman failed in pursuit of the 27-year-old due to the fact he didn't want to play for the veteran boss
United instead made a move for Anthony Martial, who made the switch from Monaco in a deal potentially rising up to £57m.
Mane has spoke about the situation previously, admitting he chose Liverpool after a phone call with Klopp.
“I was really, really close because I even met up with them,” he said.
“So I was coming, I was there and I spoke with the boss who was there before [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 you, and I think it’s better that you go to Liverpool’.
“For me I think it was the right time as well. I said, ‘I am going to Liverpool.’”
Mane came fourth in this week's Ballon d'Or awards after finishing behind Lionel Messi, Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo .
And the eventual winner heaped praise on the Liverpool star after collecting his award.
"It's a shame to see Mane finish in fourth place," Messi told Canal+.
"But I think there have been a lot of great players this year. That's why it was difficult to choose a particular player.
“But I chose Sadio Mane because he's a player that I like.
"Mane achieved a great year that was exceptional for the entire Liverpool team. That's why I chose him. I repeat, there were a lot of very great players this year, so the choice was difficult."
Mane netted during Liverpool's 5-2 win over Everton on Wednesday evening.
