Manchester United News

The day Lewandowski was almost a Manchester United player before his rise to stardom

Lewandowski revealed the incident and even had a conversation with Ferguson.

By Axel Reyes

Lewandowski revealed the incident and even had a conversation with Ferguson.
Lewandowski revealed the incident and even had a conversation with Ferguson.
Síguenos enSíguenos en Google News

Robert Lewandowski has revealed that he was on the verge of joining Manchester United in 2012, before his meteoric rise to stardom with Borussia Dortmund.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the Bayern Munich striker recounted a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson that almost saw him swap Germany for England. "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 the slight language barrier, Lewandowski knew the one thing he had to tell his potential new coach: "I want to join Manchester United."

Failed move

However, the move never materialized. "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."

An indelible mark on Borussia Dortmund

Lewandowski would go on to enjoy a prolific spell with Dortmund, scoring 103 goals in 187 appearances and leading the club to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012. He eventually joined Bayern Munich in 2014, where he has established himself as one of the greatest strikers of all 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. And at that time I was playing for Dortmund. I was happy, but Manchester United were like the prime of Manchester United."

Lewandowski revealed the incident and even had a conversation with Ferguson.The near-move to Old Trafford highlights the allure of playing under Sir Alex Ferguson. The legendary manager was known for his ability to identify and nurture young talent, and Lewandowski would have undoubtedly thrived under his guidance. While the move never materialized, Lewandowski's career has undoubtedly taken an incredible trajectory.


More news