‘Sir Alex Ferguson was there to watch me’ – City Star reveals Man Utd scouted him during early playing days but is ‘glad’ he wound up signing for Man City instead

Vincent Kompany’s journey to becoming one of the most iconic defenders in Premier League history is filled with twists of fate, challenging moments, and opportunities that came at the right time. Reflecting on the early stages of his career, one of the most memorable incidents that stands out to Kompany is when Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager, attended one of his matches to scout him. It was 2003, and Kompany was playing for Anderlecht in his first season in the UEFA Champions League. The match was a group-stage game against Celtic in Glasgow, and Kompany, still relatively new to top-flight European football, had the chance to impress the Manchester United boss who had a reputation for discovering top talent.

Celtic, playing in front of their passionate supporters, won the match 3-1, and Kompany, at that point, did not perform at the level he would later become famous for. Despite the loss, the presence of Ferguson that day marked an important moment in Kompany’s early career. Ferguson, known for his eye for emerging talent, was reportedly scouting the young Belgian to see if he could make an impact at Manchester United. However, Kompany’s performance did not convince Ferguson, and it is believed that the legendary manager decided to look elsewhere for a new central defender after that match.

Though the game against Celtic did not go the way Kompany would have liked, it was a significant event in his development as a player. It was a reminder of the fine margins in football, where one performance can have a lasting impact on a player’s career. Looking back on that moment years later, Kompany reflected on the fact that, had he played better that night, perhaps things would have turned out differently. He joked that if he had performed well, there could have been an offer from Ferguson for him to join Manchester United, and his footballing journey could have taken a different trajectory.

But football is a game of twists, and Kompany’s journey was far from over. Instead of moving to Manchester United, Kompany ended up joining their local rivals, Manchester City, in 2008, a decision that would go on to shape his career in a way that few could have predicted at the time. He would go on to become a key figure for Manchester City, captaining the side and leading them to numerous trophies, including Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups, becoming a symbol of the club’s rise from mid-table obscurity to becoming one of the most dominant forces in English football.

As Kompany progressed in his career and made a name for himself at Manchester City, his previous experiences in European competitions became more meaningful. The memory of playing against Celtic in the Champions League and the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson watching him that night would always be a part of his story. It’s clear that the journey from being a young defender at Anderlecht to becoming a club legend at Manchester City was not a linear one, and Kompany’s path to success was filled with setbacks and moments of doubt, but ultimately it led to the right place for him.

Kompany’s success at Manchester City was not just about individual achievements but also about his leadership and the transformation of the club during his time there. Manchester City, under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour, had undergone a significant change since Kompany arrived. The club had ambitions to challenge for major honors, and they eventually succeeded in doing so. Kompany was central to City’s rise to prominence, both as a key player on the field and as a leader in the dressing room. His commitment, dedication, and ability to inspire his teammates were integral to City’s success.

When Kompany joined City, the club was still finding its feet at the top level of English football. But with the backing of wealthy owners and the leadership of a manager like Roberto Mancini, City began to build a team capable of challenging the established order in the Premier League. Kompany, a composed and reliable presence at the heart of the defense, quickly became a fan favorite. His performances in crucial matches, particularly in the Premier League, made him one of the most respected defenders in the league. His leadership qualities also came to the fore as he was handed the captaincy of the club. Under his guidance, City started to develop a winning mentality, and his role as the club’s leader both on and off the pitch became essential to their success.

The peak of Kompany’s time at Manchester City came in the 2011-2012 Premier League season, where City won their first league title in 44 years. Kompany played a pivotal role in City’s title-winning campaign, and his leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to the top of the table. His goal in the 1-0 win over Manchester United in April 2012, which helped City extend their lead at the top of the table, was one of the defining moments of his City career. The goal, a towering header from a corner, perfectly encapsulated Kompany’s qualities as a player—his aerial ability, his leadership, and his willingness to step up in key moments.

The following seasons would only cement Kompany’s legacy at City. He continued to captain the team to success, with City winning multiple Premier League titles and domestic trophies under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola. Kompany’s performances remained crucial, and he continued to be a rock at the back, even as City’s style of play evolved under Guardiola. Despite dealing with injury problems in the later stages of his career, Kompany’s ability to lead by example and his importance to the team never diminished. He was a constant presence at the heart of City’s defense, and his leadership continued to inspire his teammates.

Kompany’s influence at Manchester City went beyond the pitch. He became the embodiment of the club’s values—hard work, dedication, and a desire to succeed. As a captain, he was not just a leader in terms of his actions on the field but also in the way he conducted himself off the pitch. His professionalism, discipline, and commitment to the club were evident in everything he did. He was a role model for younger players and a player who always put the team first. Even as City’s success grew and the squad became filled with international superstars, Kompany remained the heartbeat of the team.

Kompany’s time at City was not just about the trophies he won or the records he set; it was also about the culture he helped build at the club. When Kompany joined City, the club was in a period of transition. But by the time he left, City had become one of the most successful clubs in English football, and much of that success was down to Kompany’s leadership and his ability to inspire his teammates. He was a player who understood what it meant to wear the City shirt, and his dedication to the club was unquestionable.

As Kompany’s career continued, he eventually made the decision to leave Manchester City, and in 2019, he moved back to Belgium to become a player-manager at Anderlecht. While his playing days were coming to an end, Kompany’s impact on the footballing world continued. His leadership, experience, and knowledge of the game made him a natural choice to take on a managerial role, and he quickly made his mark at Anderlecht. However, it was not long before Kompany’s journey took another unexpected turn. In 2025, Kompany was appointed as the head coach of Bayern Munich, a club with a rich history and high expectations. As he stepped into this new role, Kompany’s legacy as a player and leader continued to grow, and his journey came full circle in a way he could never have imagined when he was playing for Anderlecht all those years ago.

Looking back on his career, Kompany is thankful for everything he achieved. From his early days at Anderlecht to his time at Manchester City, Kompany has experienced the highs and lows of football. He has been a part of some of the most iconic moments in Premier League history, and his leadership and ability as a defender have made him a true great of the game. His decision to join Manchester City instead of Manchester United was one of the most important turning points of his career, and it ultimately led to him becoming a club legend at City.

While he may have had the opportunity to join United, Kompany is proud of the decision he made to join City. His career has been defined by his commitment to his clubs, his leadership, and his desire to succeed. Now, as Bayern Munich’s manager, Kompany’s story is far from over. His journey has come full circle, and he continues to inspire the next generation of footballers, just as he inspired his teammates during his playing days. Kompany’s legacy as a player and leader will be remembered for years to come, and his impact on the game will continue to be felt for many years after his playing career has ended.

From playing against Celtic in 2003 to leading Manchester City to Premier League glory and now managing Bayern Munich, Kompany’s career has been a remarkable one, and his story is far from finished. Whether as a player or a coach, Kompany has shown that his influence on the game extends far beyond the pitch, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers.