He’s Now Regretting His Decision to Join Liverpool Instead of Manchester United – What Could Have Happened?

El Hadji Diouf’s career is one of those intriguing “what could have been” stories in the world of football. A player whose promise and potential appeared boundless at one point, Diouf’s professional journey was defined by highs and lows, but one decision—his choice to join Liverpool instead of Manchester United—has left him with regret.

In 2002, Diouf was one of the most sought-after players in Europe following his exceptional performances at the FIFA World Cup. Leading Senegal to an unexpected quarter-final finish, his ability to dazzle on the ball made him a star. With his flair, pace, and vision, it wasn’t long before top clubs began to take note of his potential. Liverpool, then under Gérard Houllier, won the race to sign him, shelling out £10 million to bring him to Anfield. His move was a statement of intent for the club, eager to rejuvenate their squad with young, exciting talent.

At the time, the signing appeared to be the perfect fit. Diouf’s speed and creativity seemed like they would mesh perfectly with the attacking demands of the Premier League. Alongside his Senegalese teammate, Salif Diao, he seemed poised to make a big impact. Yet, the dream quickly soured. The Liverpool chapter of Diouf’s career turned into one defined by disappointment, controversy, and underperformance.

The Turbulent Anfield Years

From the very beginning, Diouf struggled to make his mark at Liverpool. His raw talent was evident, but his discipline and temperament were frequently called into question. His tendency to clash with teammates and staff, coupled with a series of inconsistent performances on the pitch, meant that he never truly found his rhythm in the Premier League. His time at Anfield was marred by controversial incidents both on and off the field, making him a polarizing figure among fans.

Despite some flashes of brilliance, Diouf never lived up to the expectation that came with his £10 million price tag. His volatile nature and the frequent fallout with teammates led to a strained relationship with the Liverpool faithful, who were accustomed to players who embodied the club’s values of hard work, commitment, and professionalism.

In interviews years after leaving Liverpool, Diouf openly admitted his regret about joining the club. His reflections were harsh, but there was a sense of honesty in his words. “I would say Liverpool,” Diouf said when asked about his biggest regret in an interview with RMC Sport in 2018. “Because if I had the chance again, I would go to Manchester United or Barcelona. At the time, they wanted me also.”

The Choice Between Liverpool and Manchester United

Choosing between Liverpool and Manchester United would have been a challenge for any player. The two clubs represent two different philosophies in English football, both with rich histories and passionate fanbases. Manchester United, under Sir Alex Ferguson, were a team in the midst of a dominant era. They were winning league titles year after year, and Ferguson’s managerial genius had turned the club into a juggernaut. At the time, United were known for their attractive attacking football, and Ferguson was well known for developing players, turning raw talents into world-class stars.

On the other hand, Liverpool, though still a prestigious club, had seen better days. They were undergoing a rebuilding phase, and despite their rich legacy, they hadn’t been able to match United’s success on the pitch in the years prior to Diouf’s arrival. The allure of Liverpool, however, was clear—its passionate fanbase, its history of success, and the opportunity to help restore the club to former glory.

But Diouf’s time at Anfield ended in disappointment, and his admission that he wished he had joined Manchester United instead highlighted a major turning point in his career. The environment at Old Trafford under Ferguson would have likely offered Diouf more stability, better opportunities to develop, and a stronger platform to showcase his talents.

The Impact of Ferguson’s Manchester United

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United became a club renowned for its nurturing of young talent. Ferguson was a master of blending experienced players with emerging stars, ensuring that the next generation was always ready to step up. For a player like Diouf, joining United could have been the right move, offering him the mentorship and guidance that he needed to thrive in the Premier League.

United’s attacking setup, featuring the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Ruud van Nistelrooy, could have given Diouf the perfect environment to showcase his skills. Ferguson’s emphasis on discipline and hard work would have pushed Diouf to become a better player both on and off the field. His regret in later years seemed to stem not just from the poor performance at Liverpool but from the lost opportunities that might have been had he made a different choice.

Diouf’s Liverpool Legacy

Despite his early promise, Diouf left Liverpool with a tarnished legacy. He was loaned out to several clubs during his time at Anfield, including Bolton Wanderers, where he enjoyed a brief resurgence in form. However, his time with Liverpool would ultimately define his career, and not in the way he would have hoped. He became a symbol of a high-profile transfer that didn’t go as planned—a cautionary tale of unfulfilled potential and broken dreams.

Liverpool fans, who were initially excited about his arrival, were ultimately left disappointed by his lack of consistency and inability to integrate into the team. Diouf’s reputation suffered further due to his behavior, and he was often at the center of media controversy. While there were moments of brilliance, they were too few and far between to make a lasting impact.

A Different Path at Manchester United

Had Diouf chosen Manchester United, it’s possible that his story would have been very different. Playing under Ferguson’s guidance, Diouf might have become part of one of the most successful eras in United’s history. The manager was known for getting the best out of players who were seen as difficult or inconsistent, and Diouf’s raw talent could have flourished under such a manager’s watchful eye.

It’s also worth considering that the culture at United, with its emphasis on discipline and team spirit, might have helped Diouf become a more well-rounded player. He might have developed better relationships with teammates, improved his work ethic, and, perhaps most importantly, enjoyed a more positive relationship with the media and fans. At Manchester United, he would have been part of a team that was constantly challenging for the top honors in England and Europe, giving him the platform he needed to establish himself as a true star.

The Regret of What Could Have Been

Looking back, Diouf’s admission of regret over his move to Liverpool is a stark reminder of how one decision can define a player’s career. His time at Anfield, filled with unfulfilled potential, left him with a sense of what could have been—had he made the right choice. Joining Manchester United, with its winning culture and supportive environment, might have provided the stability and mentorship he needed to fulfill his promise.

However, Diouf’s story also serves as a reminder that not every player’s journey follows a predictable path. Some thrive in difficult circumstances, while others falter despite having all the talent in the world. For Diouf, the choice to join Liverpool instead of Manchester United remains a defining moment in his career—one that ultimately led to a legacy of regret.

While he may never fully reconcile with his decision, Diouf’s candid reflection offers an interesting glimpse into the inner workings of a player’s mind and the impact that key decisions can have on their career. In the end, the question remains—what could have happened if he had joined Manchester United instead? The answer, like much of football, is a mystery that only time could reveal.