Van Gaal replied that Mane would play if he was good in training and made a good impression, but that there was another player who was also good. Mane was not convinced by this explanation and decided not to join Manchester United.

At the time, Mane was still a young player who was not yet consistent in his performances, and he felt that he needed more guidance and time to develop his skills. He was playing for Southampton at the time and eventually decided to sign with Liverpool instead.

Mane reflected on the conversation with van Gaal, saying that he was not ready to join Manchester United at the time and that he needed more time and support to become the player he wanted to be.