Liverpool Legend SHUNS Former Teammate In Favour Of Former Manchester United Star

Liverpool Legend SHUNS Former Teammate In Favour Of Former Manchester United Star

A recent interview has seen Liverpool fans in shock after Liverpool legend Sadio Mane has gone against his former teammate Virgil Van Dijk and rated ex-professional and bitter rivals Manchester United Legend Rio Ferdinand above Van Dijk in an all time ranking.

Speaking on the Rio Meets podcast, Sadio Mane did protect his former teammate and friend, he gave his opinion exactly as it is, even if the Liverpool fans may hate to hear it. "He's after you" he told Rio, "It’s you and Van Dijk. You know it, I know it. This is no discussion.” He then went on to praise the Liverpool defender speaking on the impact of his arrival to Liverpool, so it's not all bad Liverpool fans! “a great, great defender … one of the pieces we needed”.

Sadio Mane has started the CB debate again….

Virgil van Dijk or Me? 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/02J5FmMUs3

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) November 20, 2025

This debate has been going on for a long long time, ever since Van Dijk started putting in stellar performances for Liverpool week in week out, with a few trophies along the way. The arguments have many different avenues and reasons as to why one is better than the other. From trophies won, to how long the player was at the top, many different people have very different opinions, albeit most people have very biased ones depending on if you are a Manchester United or Liverpool supporter. They are always going to support their own. Sadio Mane came across respectful and full of admiration for the Dutch defender, but he truly just believes that Rio is a step above.

Mane saying Rio was better than Virgil, nah, he wasn't being genuine imo.
Playing up to Rio.

— WAZ (@Waz612) November 21, 2025

Rio Ferdinand is regarded by many, not just Mane, as the greatest Premier League defender to ever lace up the boots. He won a plethora of trophies in his time, including six Premier League titles. He is a Premier League hall of famer. Van Dijk established himself as a Premier League great ever since his move to Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018. This signing is seen by many as one of the catalysts that saw Liverpool climb their way back to the top of English football, with Van Dijk being apart of Liverpool's first title winning side for 30 years. Van Dijk later captained Liverpool to a second league title in his career in the 2024/25 season, playing a vital role.

This isn't the first time nor the last time that this debate will happen. These two are arguably the best from their eras, so comparisons will always be made without a sure conclusion. Everyone has a different opinion on who is the best defender of the generation, including Sadio Mane, even if Liverpool fans would've expected the exact opposite response then the one he gave! Rio Ferdinand himself has even commented on Van Dijk's quality, but he had to state how football has changed since his playing days. I'm a Liverpool fan, so whether you think it's biased or not, it probably is... but I truly believe that Virgil Van Dijk is the best defender the Premier League has ever seen and potentially ever will see. The absolute calmness you feel at all times when someone is running at Van Dijk is an aura that no other defender has. You can't beat him.