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Sadio Mane is ready to show Manchester United what they missed out on as the Liverpool attacker vowed: “We will beat them.”

United made an approach for the Senegal international in the summer of 2015 but he opted to remain at Southampton.

When Liverpool came knocking 12 months later, Mane jumped at the chance to complete a £30million move and he has proved an instant hit at Anfield.

Asked about United’s interest, Mane said: “Ronald Koeman was not happy with all the rumours because he wanted me to stay, but it was not too complicated because for me it was not time to go.

“When I spoke to him I told him: ‘No problem, I will stay’. It was my decision. I wanted to stay at Southampton.

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“I was patient because I remember after the first year I knew it was better to focus on Southampton. In my head I thought I would be there a couple more years and prove something.

“I was convinced I still had to prove something, improve more and learn more before I moved to a bigger club. But then I knew when the right time was for me.

“The extra year helped me get better, and it is important for every player to go step by step.

“It was only when Liverpool came in that I never had a second thought and knew I wanted to join.

“It was different because then was the right moment for me. I finally came to Liverpool and I was happy with that, and now I’m happy I am playing against Manchester United.”

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Mane is loving life under Jurgen Klopp and is confident the in-form Reds, who are chasing a sixth straight win in all competitions, will prove too strong for Jose Mourinho’s side at Anfield on Monday night.

“We are going to beat Manchester United,” he told the Telegraph.

“We all believe it. We are going to make it. Maybe this will be the biggest game I have played in. Everyone would like to score in a game like this.

“Everyone likes Klopp. He is one of the best in the world and for us to have the chance to have him as a coach makes us all happy.

“He knows how to motivate players, engage with them and give you more confidence. He tells us all to always be hungry to win and become one of the best. Whenever I play I know I have the support to help me.”