Why Darwin Nunez rejected bigger offer from Man Utd to join Liverpool instead

Manchester United tabled a bigger offer for Darwin Nunez than Liverpool but the Benfica frontman has opted to join the Merseysiders for two key reasons, according to reports.

Liverpool are on the verge of announcing the Uruguayan’s signing after agreeing a deal worth £85million with Benfica, with £64m of that being paid up front and the rest in bonuses and add-ons.

Nunez is expected to have his medical in Liverpool this week before putting pen to paper on a six-year contract, with the Reds moving very quickly to beat off competition for his signature.

United had also been keen on Nunez with new boss Erik ten Hag having prioritised the signing of a new central striker this summer.

The Red Devils were even prepared to better Liverpool’s offer for the 22-year-old, but, according to Sky Sports, Nunez had little intention of moving to Old Trafford and only wanted to join the Merseysiders.

United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League proved decisive, with Nunez unwilling to step down from Europe’s premier club competition in order to participate in the Europa League with United.

The second big reason revolved around Jurgen Klopp and the project on offer at Liverpool under the German.

Nunez is a massive fan of Klopp and believes the German coach can take his game to a new level, whereas United recorded their worst ever points tally in the Premier League last season and are in need of rebuilding.

While Nunez is versatile and capable of playing on the flanks, there is a ready-made position waiting for him through the middle at Liverpool – a role he would have needed to compete against Cristiano Ronaldo for at Old Trafford.

With Ten Hag only having been appointed officially last month, the United boss also had precious