Barcelona talisman Robert Lewandowski has revealed just how close he came to signing for Manchester United during the final years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.
Lewandowski was plying his trade at Borussia Dortmund when United and Sir Alex came calling.
At 24, the Poland international was rapidly building his reputation as one of the best strikers in the world and with Sir Alex in search of someone to lead the line after narrowly missing out on the 2011/12 Premier League title, he trained his sights on Lewandowski.
In a sit-down with United legend Rio Ferdinand, Lewandowski narrated how he nearly came close to sealing a blockbuster switch to Old Trafford.
He told a stunned Ferdinand, “I remember one conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson. I decided to join Manchester United in 2012.”
“I remember the conversation that was before pre-season, we were playing some games. I knew that he [Ferguson] was going to call to me. And at half-time, 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 – Sir Alex Ferguson. I was very nervous and he called. I said, ‘Hello, my name is Robert Lewandowski’. He said, ‘Hi, hi…’ you know, in this Scottish accent.”
“I knew what I should tell him – Yeah, of course, I want to join Manchester United.”
On why the transfer never materialised, Lewandowski explained that Dortmund were unwilling to let him go.
“I remember also the conversation with the president of Dortmund. 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.”
“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.”
“At that time I was playing for Dortmund. I was happy, but Manchester United were like the prime of Manchester United.”
The Red Devils went on to sign Robin Van Persie instead from bitter rivals Arsenal. Van Persie led United to Premier League glory in 2013 as Sir Alex retired from football management.
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
