A Manchester United more than a decade in the making could finally get over the line after the club received fresh encouragement, and the player has already "said yes"
12:24, 21 Oct 2025
Manchester United head coach / manager Ruben Amorim instructs Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United as he comes on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United
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Ruben Amorim could have a clear sight on signing a player who has been linked with Man United for more than a decade(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim could bolster Manchester United's frontline once more next summer by bringing in Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona. The Pole's deal at the Camp Nou is due to run out at the end of this campaign, although the Spanish giants do have an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
Whether the Catalan club will activate that clause remains uncertain, with worries surrounding Lewandowski's advancing age. Having celebrated his 37th birthday in the summer, there are reportedly reservations about whether the frontman still has the energy to execute Hansi Flick's demanding high-intensity pressing game.
Barcelona's approach depends heavily on dominating the opposition's half of the pitch, with much of that responsibility falling on the attacking players. Lewandowski has found the net four times in nine outings this season, yet Barca are supposedly viewing next summer as an opportunity for a fresh start.
However, what represents a setback for Barcelona could become United's advantage should the Red Devils pursue Lewandowski as a free agent. There's reason to suggest the player might welcome such a move, having previously expressed enthusiasm about joining the Premier League giants.
"To Manchester United I decided and said yes," he told BBC Sport earlier this year. "I wanted to join Manchester United to see Alex Ferguson."
Lewandowski, who was linked with a move to United before leaving Bayern Munich, was still reaching his peak with Borussia Dortmund in 2012 when United initially pursued his services. He had just completed a stellar season and netted 30 goals to help Dortmund claim their second Bundesliga crown in as many campaigns when Ferguson made his approach.
Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring for Barcelona
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Robert Lewandowski could leave Barcelona on a free transfer next summer(Image: Getty Images)
In typical Fergie style, the Old Trafford legend spotted one of Europe's most lethal goalscorers and hatched his plan. Nevertheless, Dortmund refused to budge over Lewandowski, who subsequently moved to Bayern Munich on a free transfer two years down the line.
"They [Dortmund] could not sell me," he explained. "Because they knew if I stayed they could earn more money, and that I could wait maybe one or two more years. But it is true that I said yes to Manchester United."
Most supporters know Lewandowski nearly joined Blackburn Rovers in 2010 before the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud grounded flights across Europe. Yet fewer may realise just how close he came to signing for United afterwards.
Even now, bringing in Lewandowski could still prove a masterstroke for United, regardless of his age profile. Amorim is working with Benjamin Sesko as his main striker after snapping up the 22-year-old from RB Leipzig in a £74million summer transfer.
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Given his limited experience, it's easy to see why partnering with someone of Lewandowski's calibre would be hugely attractive. United possess considerable attacking promise but lack veteran quality in the forward areas.
The Red Devils previously enjoyed success with Zlatan Ibrahimovic spearheading their attack. The the Swedish star helped guide United to a Europa League and League Cup double in 2017, at which point he was already 35.
Ferguson was known for signing seasoned talents during his reign at Old Trafford, so long as they could deliver in the short term. And Amorim might do well to follow in his footsteps.