Victor Wanyama has reflected on Sir Alex Ferguson’s role in almost taking him from Celtic to Manchester United.
A mainstay under Neil Lennon, Wanyama was signed from Belgian side Beerschot at the age of 20 for £900,000.
Two years later, he became the then-most expensive ever SPL export, joining Southampton for £12.5 million.
But the Saints weren’t his only admirers, as the midfielder has now recalled that he was personally scouted by the legendary Old Trafford boss.
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Neil Lennon watches on during the Scottish Premiership clash between Kilmarnock and Celtic
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Celtic hero Victor Wanyama on Man Utd and Sir Alex Ferguson
Speaking on the In Conversation with Chaxy Podcast, Wanyama recalled: “When I left Celtic, I almost signed with Manchester United.
“Sir Alex Ferguson had even come to watch the Champions League matches.
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“He did not come to watch the league matches because at the time, it was not competitive, and we were beating all our opponents,
“On that day, I had already been told, in the dressing room, that Ferguson had come to watch me play. I did my best, I even talked to him after the game, and then he left.
“Shortly after, I heard rumours that he wanted to retire, and I knew that it was never meant to be.”
Wanyama was one of a number of Celtic players sold to St Mary’s in the mid-2010s, along with Fraser Forster and Virgil van Dijk.
All three of the trio were signed by Lennon with the help of talent-spotter John Park, in a successful period of recruitment for the club.
Mikael Lustig, Emilio Izaguirre and Tom Rogic were among the other excellent additions from overseas under Lennon’s watch.
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Charlie Mulgrew celebrates his goal for Celtic in the Champions League qualifier against HJK Helsinki
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The career of Celtic hero Victor Wanyama
Despite being a physical, defensive midfield player, Wanyama had an eye for goal, scoring 13 goals over his two seasons in Glasgow.
Despite a stunning late winner over Hearts in his first season, the highlight of the Kenyan’s Hoops career was undoubtedly the opener in the Hoops’ iconic 2-1 win over Barcelona.
His move to Southampton was so successful that Mauricio Pochettino brought him along to Tottenham, where Wanyama excelled in his first campaign as the club finished second on 86 points.
After leaving Tottenham, he played under Wilfried Nancy in MLS before making a shock move to reunite with Lennon at second-tier Dunfermline… that move didn’t go as hoped.
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