Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has revealed that he once came close to completing a move to Manchester United during the height of his career in Europe.
The Kenyan defensive midfielder, who built a strong reputation during his time on the continent, disclosed that the transfer ultimately collapsed despite serious interest from the Premier League giants.
Wanyama, who enjoyed successful spells with Celtic, Southampton, and Tottenham Hotspur, described the failed move to Manchester United as one of the most intriguing âwhat ifâ moments of his football journey.
Speaking on the In Conversation wChaxy podcast, Wanyama explained that the potential transfer almost materialised while he was still playing for Celtic.
According to him, the opportunity gathered momentum during a UEFA Champions League match when legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson came to watch him play.
Wanyama said he had been informed in the dressing room before the match that Ferguson was present in the stands specifically to assess his performance. The knowledge that one of footballâs most respected managers was watching motivated him to deliver his best display on the night.
He also recalled briefly speaking with Ferguson after the game, an interaction that initially gave him hope that the move could soon be finalised. However, reports soon emerged suggesting that the long-serving Manchester United manager was preparing to retire.
Wanyama explained that once those rumours began circulating, he felt the potential deal would no longer happen, as the clubâs situation was about to change.
âWhen I left Celtic, I almost signed with Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson had even come to watch the Champions League matches. He did not come to watch the league matches because at the time, it was not competitive, and we were beating all our opponents.
âOn 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,” he said.
Despite the missed opportunity, Wanyamaâs career continued to flourish. After leaving Celtic, he joined Southampton in the English Premier League in 2013 before securing a move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2016.
He later moved to Major League Soccer with CF Montréal before making a brief return to Scotland in 2025, signing for Denfermline Athletic.