Netherlands’ coach Louis Van Gaal at a press conference at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, yesterday. AFP
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has disclosed he wanted to sign the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Sadio Mane, while he was coach of English side Manchester United.
The Dutch tactician was the second coach of the post-Alex Fergusson era, leading the former English champions from 2014 to 2016.
“I think that Mane is an extraordinary player,” van Gaal said yesterday while speaking to the media ahead of the Netherlands Group A opener against Senegal at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“I wanted him at United, I chased him at the time, and he was in Southampton. I am a fan. He can break open a match, and I will say Senegal will really miss him,” the former Ajax coach added.
During his time at United, the Dutchman signed Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, Memphis Depay, and Daley Blind, but his only trophy was the 2015 FA Cup.
Mane, on the other hand, went on to sign for Manchester United rival Liverpool in 2016 and played 269 games for them, scoring 120 goals with the Premier League and Champions League trophies to show.
Meanwhile, Mane’s team-mate at Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk said it’s unfortunate that the Senegal star will miss the World Cup. The Dutch skipper said he called Mane after news of his injury broke out and, like the rest of the world, hoped he’ll be fit in time for the tournament.
“I called him the next day (after his injury) because I wanted to know how he was. As a friend, I wanted to know how he was,” van Dijk said.
“Unfortunately, he can’t make it here, and I feel sad for him. I know how hard he worked for this, and he wants to be here for Senegal. Obviously, it would be a big miss for them.”
