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Recently nominated for the African Player of the Year award, Sadio Mané will have been given a confidence boost ahead of Liverpool-Manchester United on Monday night, but it didn’t produce a lot.

The Senegalese forward was kept fairly quiet during the hyped up clash between Jürgen Klopp’s and José Mourinho’s sides, and, even with a slight resurgence in the second half, failed to have the impact Liverpool fans have started to expect from him.

Not only has the player become a vital part of Klopp’s plan, but Sadio Mané is also a big star in his home country, and a regular for the Senegal national team.

While the player has played well since his expensive transfer from Southampton, one man says only time will tell if the move was a success.

Former Liverpool and Bolton forward El-Hadji Diouf was speaking to Libération in Senegal, relayed by Setal.

He said: “Mané is a good player, someone with talent, but the league has just started and he needs time to settle in, especially to get to know his new teammates, because there are a fair few games to come.

“We need to see how he reacts when injury hits or a drop in form happens. Football wise, I can’t say anything. Sadio is a very good player, I believe in him and I know he has the qualities to be a leader in the national team.”

With three goals and three assists in eight appearances for Liverpool so far, he’s certainly off to a good start.