Robert Lewandowski: Barcelona Star Details Failed Man United Transfer

• Robert Lewandowski has revealed how close he was to signing for Manchester United during the final years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary tenure
• At the time, Lewandowski was starring for Borussia Dortmund, quickly establishing himself as one of the world’s top strikers
• Recognising his talent, Ferguson set his sights on the Polish forward as United sought a new attacking leader

A phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson almost secured Robert Lewandowski’s move to Manchester United in 2012.

At the time, the Polish striker was making waves as one of Europe’s most promising talents during his stint at Borussia Dortmund.

Despite staying at Dortmund for four years and spending eight more seasons in the Bundesliga, Lewandowski admitted that a Premier League move was a strong consideration early in his career.

Speaking on the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, Lewandowski shared with the Manchester United legend just how close he came to joining the Red Devils over a decade ago.

Read also

Ronaldo speaks on chances of playing with his son like LeBron James in NBA

"I remember one conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson. I decided to join Manchester United in 2012," Lewandowski said. "I remember the conversation that was before preseason, we were playing some games. I knew that [Ferguson] was going to call me. And at halftime, I was subbed off because I knew that I was playing 45 minutes."

"I had the call. And that time, you know, my English, that was on a different level. Especially if I'm going to speak with this kind of guy. He called and I said, 'Hello, my name is Robert Lewandowski'. He said, 'Hi, hi...' you know, in this Scottish accent."

Despite a slight language barrier, Robert Lewandowski made one thing clear to Sir Alex Ferguson: "I want to join Manchester United."

Had the move materialized, Lewandowski would have joined a star-studded United squad featuring Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs, and Robin van Persie.

Read also

IMF sees 'limited' impact of floods on Spain GDP growth

However, Borussia Dortmund refused to part ways with their prolific No. 9, keeping the Polish striker in the Bundesliga.

"I remember also the conversation with the president of Dortmund," Lewandowski continued. "He said to me, they need him. They're not going to sign me to Manchester United because I'm so important for them. It wasn't the perfect time."

Lewandowski would go on to finish his Dortmund career with 103 goals in 187 appearances.

The Poland international's success in front of goal helped Dortmund secure back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012. He departed the club in 2014 to join Bayern Munich.

"But that time I said yes, that's true. I said yes to join Manchester United because if Sir Alex Ferguson calls you, you cannot say no, you know. Especially when I was 22 or 23 years old. And at that time I was playing for Dortmund. I was happy, but Manchester United were like the prime of Manchester United."

Read also

S.Africa central bank cuts interest rate to 7.75 percent

Even without Lewandowski, Manchester United claimed the Premier League title in 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson's final season before retirement. It remains the club's most recent league triumph.

Meanwhile, Lewandowski enjoyed remarkable success, winning the Bundesliga eight times with Bayern Munich before joining Barcelona in 2022. He added a La Liga title to his collection a year later. Now 36, Lewandowski leads the Spanish league in scoring with 14 goals in 13 matches, showing no signs of slowing down.

Fans name Barcelona's best player so far

In a related report, YEN.com.gh highlighted that fans are hailing one of Barcelona’s forwards as the club’s standout player of the season thus far.

Notably, this star forward has become the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to achieve double figures in both goals and assists, underscoring his crucial role in Barcelona's dynamic front line.

Source: AFP