He’s now regretting his decision to join Liverpool instead of Manchester United – What could have happened?
El Hadji Diouf Admits Regret Over Liverpool Move: ‘I Wish I Had Joined Man Utd Instead’
For any player without deep personal ties to either club, choosing between Manchester United and Liverpool is one of the toughest decisions in football. Both are England’s most successful clubs, boasting rich histories and legendary legacies—but picking one over the other can shape a player’s entire career.
For El Hadji Diouf, that choice turned out to be a regretful one.
The Senegalese forward was one of the standout stars of the 2002 World Cup, leading his nation to a historic quarter-final run. His dazzling performances, including a man-of-the-match display against France, caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. Liverpool, under Gérard Houllier, won the race for his signature, shelling out £10 million to sign him from Lens. He was soon joined at Anfield by international teammate Salif Diao—but what should have been a dream move quickly turned into a nightmare.
Diouf’s Liverpool Spell Ends in Disappointment
Diouf’s time at Liverpool was turbulent, marked by controversial incidents and underwhelming performances. His poor relationship with teammates, a lack of discipline, and on-field struggles meant that by the time he left Anfield, his name was more associated with controversy than success.
Looking back on his career in 2018, Diouf didn’t hold back when asked about his biggest regret. Speaking to RMC Sport, he was blunt about his Liverpool experience:
“I would say Liverpool. Because if I had the chance again, I would go to Manchester United or Barcelona. At the time, they wanted me also.”
Liverpool Fans Share the Sentiment
Diouf’s admission likely echoed the feelings of many Liverpool fans, who never truly warmed to him due to his disruptive presence and lack of impact on the pitch. His failure to live up to expectations stands in stark contrast to the legends that came before and after him at Anfield.
Had he chosen Manchester United, his career might have taken a different trajectory. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, he could have had a better environment for growth—but instead, he remains a cautionary tale of a high-profile signing gone wrong.
El Hadji Diouf’s regret over joining Liverpool instead of Manchester United adds another layer to his controversial career. His time at Anfield was defined by struggles on and off the pitch, with poor performances, a lack of discipline, and clashes with teammates making him one of Liverpool’s most disappointing signings.
Had he joined Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, things might have played out differently. Ferguson had a strong track record of developing talents and instilling discipline—qualities that could have benefited Diouf’s raw potential. However, given his temperament and history of clashes with authority, it’s also possible that he wouldn’t have lasted long at Old Trafford either.
Ultimately, Diouf remains one of the biggest what-ifs of early 2000s football. Do you think he would have been a success at United, or was his attitude always going to hold him back?
