Victor Wanyama: Former Harambee Stars Captain Reflects on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Interest At Celtic

• Victor Wanyama has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson had an interest in him
• The former Man United manager watched Wanyama score against Barcelona
• The transfer never materialized, leaving Wanyama to join Southampton eventually

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama recently shared insights into a critical moment in his career when a potential move to English Premier League giants Manchester United could have manifested.

In the summer of 2012, speculation buzzed as Man United reportedly readied a £10 million (Ksh1.9 billion) bid for the Kenyan midfielder, then plying his trade with Scottish Premier League powerhouse Celtic.

Wanyama's rapid rise to prominence even grabbed the rare attention of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The breakthrough occurred during a high-stakes UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona on November 7, 2012, at the Camp Nou Stadium. Wanyama scored the opening goal with a thumping header from a corner to give The Bhoys a shock lead.

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Recalling that unforgettable night, Wanyama told Radio47:

"When I was at Celtic, I remember a breakthrough moment during a Champions League match against Barcelona. Sir Alex Ferguson came to watch that game…"

This encounter marked a probable turning point in Wanyama's career, with the prospect of becoming a Man United player seemingly possible.

"Although we didn't have a conversation, he did meet with the club president, who later informed me that they had talked with Fergie about the possibility of me joining Manchester United. However, I'm not sure what ultimately happened, as that was the year when Ferguson left the club," Wanyama explained as quoted on Pulse Sports.

At the time, Wanyama was a budding 21-year-old midfielder who had arrived at Celtic in 2011.

Sky Sports also reported Man United’s interest in Wanyama, confirming Sir Alex Ferguson had come to the stadium to scout the player.

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Wanyama comes out of retirement

Sports Brief previously reported that Kenyans shared mixed feelings about Wanyama's decision to come out of retirement for Harambee Stars.

Wanyama announced his retirement from international football in October 2021 after earning 52 caps with the national team during his 15-year-long career.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder admitted that the decision to call time on his career with Harambee Stars was difficult to make.