Robert Lewandowski reveals he was ‘ready’ to join Manchester United after talks with Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012 – but the move fell through with Borussia Dortmund refusing to sell
- Robert Lewandowski was in demand after his Borussia Dortmund breakthrough
- The Polish star admits Sir Alex Ferguson came calling for his services
- After talks with the legendary Man United boss Lewandowski was ‘ready. to join
- Dortmund’s refusal to sell saw Lewandowski stay and later join Bayern Munich
Robert Lewandowski has revealed he very nearly became a Manchester United player in 2012 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Polish striker, 32, enjoyed a sublime breakthrough season at Borussia Dortmund almost ten years ago, and quickly found himself on the radar of a host of European giants.
But it was United’s inquiry who piqued his interest the most, with legendary boss Ferguson personally reaching out to Lewandowsk to set about organising a transfer.
Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski has revealed how close he came to Man United
Speaking this week with France Football following his crowing as FIFA’s ‘The Best Men’s Player’ of 2020, Lewandowski admitted United begun to set the wheels in motion to make the deal happen.
‘After my second year in Dortmund, I had a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson,’ said Lewandowski.
‘He wanted me to come to Manchester.
Personal talks with Sir Alex Ferguson had the Polish star ‘ready’ to switch to Old Trafford
‘I was very interested. I can even say I was ready. But Dortmund didn’t want to let me go. It didn’t upset me more than that because things were going well with Borussia.’
Dortmund’s reluctance to sell saw the striker remain with Jurgen Klopp’s side at the Westfalenstadion, before later switching to the club’s arch rivals Bayern Munich for free.
Ferguson had made contact with Lewandowski in 2012, just before his final season at the United helm.
After missing out on the Poland international United remained in the market for a striker and later signed Robin van Persie from arch rivals Arsenal.
The Dutchman went on to be a huge success, helping United clinch the title in his first season at Old Trafford and ensure Ferguson retired from the game as an English champion.
United however have failed to win the title since, enduring a steady decline since the Scotsman’s departure which has seen four different managers take the reins.
Dortmund refused to sell and Lewandowski stayed with Jurgen Klopp’s side for two more years
Failure to sign Lewandowski saw United instead turn to Robin van Persie from rivals Arsenal
Lewandowski’s move to Bayern ultimately paid off to a much greater degree, with him reaching an even higher level than at Dortmund and becoming one of the bonafide best strikers on the planet.
During his time in Bavarian Lewandowski has won the league title on six occasions, along with scooping the most coveted prize of all with the Champions League last season.
The Polish ace enjoyed one of his finest ever seasons during the last campaign, scoring an incredible 34 goals in 31 Bundesliga games and providing four assists.
Lewandowski also scored 15 times in 10 Champions League matches, almost equaling a record of most European goals in a season set by Cristiano Ronaldo (17), and helping his side go on to win the famous trophy.
