Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign two Manchester City legends for Manchester United, with one even featuring on a leaked transfer list from many years back.
Ferguson has never been afraid to praise players from rival clubs and back in 2021, he spoke to former captain Gary Neville for a SPORTbible Q&A and was asked about the stars he wishes he managed in his glittering career.
The 13-time Premier League winner name-dropped former Spurs trio Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son but then was sure to mention City's record goalscorer Sergio Aguero.
The Argentine, a £38 million signing from Atletico Madrid, helped inflict two of Ferguson's darkest days - scoring in the 6-1 trouncing at Old Trafford and then bagging the last-gasp winner against QPR to snatch the Premier League title away from United in his debut 2011/12 season.
Despite that, Ferguson admitted: "Aguero has been a terrific striker, there’s no doubt about that. His goalscoring has been exceptional. I think that the top teams always produce a player that can stand out.”
Sergio Aguero tormented Manchester United on many occasions. Image: Getty
Sergio Aguero tormented Manchester United on many occasions. Image: Getty
Many years prior, Ferguson had scouted future City captain Vincent Kompany when he was coming through the ranks at Anderlecht - even watching him as a 17-year-old at Celtic Park in a 3-1 Champions League loss.
Kompany was said to have been identified as a possible replacement for Rio Ferdinand while in the middle of a long-term suspension but the Belgian endure a difficult night.
“I remember it being a special night, but I think I was fortunate to play poorly, because I remember Sir Alex Ferguson came to watch me," Kompany recalled in a press conference in September 2024.
"If I'd played well, maybe he would've made an offer for me. But I'm glad I ended up at the blue side of Manchester."
Kompany was still on Ferguson's transfer shortlist in 2004, alongside a number of other targets. With central defence a priority, United proceeded to sign both Gabriel Heinze and Gerard Pique.
Kompany stayed with Anderlecht for three seasons before signing for Bundesliga side Hamburg.
City signed him for a bargain £6 million fee in 2008 and went on to become the club's most successful captain, winning 12 trophies and amassing 360 appearances while going down as one of the best defenders in Premier League history.
Vincent Kompany was scouted by Sir Alex Ferguson. Image: Getty
Vincent Kompany was scouted by Sir Alex Ferguson. Image: Getty
He scored the famous winner against United in a momentous top of the table derby clash in April 2012.
Both he and Aguero have been immortalised with statues outside the Etihad Stadium, alongside fellow great David Silva.
Kompany returned to Anderlecht as a player-manager before managing in the Premier League with Burnley and winning the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich after they paid out £10 million in compensation.