Robert Lewandowski is among the targets for Manchester United this summer, with the Red Devils linked with the striker – and it is not the first time the club has tried to sign the veteran forward
12:21, 06 May 2026
Jurgen Klopp stopped Robert Lewandowski from joining Manchester United
Jurgen Klopp stopped Robert Lewandowski from joining Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp prevented Robert Lewandowski from joining Manchester United 14 years before the club was linked with another remarkable move for the forward ahead of this summer.
Benjamin Sesko is currently the only experienced natural striker in the United squad, leaving Michael Carrick short of options up front. That, combined with Rasmus Hojlund's anticipated permanent exit, means the Red Devils likely need to bring in another top-quality No. 9 at the end of the Premier League season.
Amid an underwhelming and overpriced striker market, one intriguing option is Barcelona frontman Lewandowski. The 37-year-old striker's contract is set to expire in the coming months, potentially allowing him to be signed on a free transfer, significantly enhancing United's chances of progressing next season.
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Any potential move comes over a decade after both the player and United reached an agreement to bring him to Old Trafford.
Lewandowski himself has previously discussed how, during his spell at Borussia Dortmund in 2012, he was taken off in a pre-season friendly against VfL Bochum. While his teammates were still out on the pitch for the second half, the then-emerging talent received a phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson himself.
The iconic manager, speaking with his pronounced Scottish accent, persuaded Lewandowski that a transfer to Manchester that summer was the right choice. Despite struggling to hear Sir Alex's words, Lewandowski was prepared to join the Premier League team.
Lewandowski could finally move to England this summer
Lewandowski could finally move to England this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Nevertheless, the transfer collapsed as Dortmund, under Klopp's stewardship, refused to sanction Lewandowski's departure, deeming him too vital. They had already seen Shinji Kagawa depart for United that same summer.
Lewandowski recounted in an interview with SportBild: "I remember the moment exactly. We had a friendly with Dortmund in preparation, I think against Bochum. I was subbed at half-time. I looked at my mobile phone in the dressing room.
"There was a text message with the sender +44. Ferguson had tried to call me and then sent me a message. He wanted to talk to me."
The forward continued: "I was still in the dressing room, I took a shower and called him back, in a quiet corner. My English wasn't as good as it is today. He has a strong Scottish accent. I was so focused on understanding what he meant! Alex Ferguson tried to be considerate, spoke slowly. I was 22 years old, it was a special moment.
"I spoke to Aki Watzke [Dortmund CEO] and Jurgen Klopp in the camp. I wanted to go to Man United! But they said, 'No chance, Robert. We need you. You have to stay.'"
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Remaining at Dortmund proved the correct choice for both Lewandowski and the club, as he netted 64 goals over the following two campaigns, while also featuring in a Champions League final. The Poland captain made 187 appearances under Klopp's management, recording an outstanding 103 goals.
In 2014, he transferred to rivals Bayern Munich, where he cemented his reputation as arguably the world's finest striker, unlucky not to claim a Ballon d'Or in 2020 owing to the pandemic. His switch to Barcelona came in 2022, where he has helped secure two La Liga titles across three seasons thus far.
Following the club's unsuccessful pursuit of Lewandowski, United returned to the transfer market in 2012 for a proven goalscorer, securing Arsenal's Robin van Persie. The Dutch forward delivered Ferguson a final Premier League trophy in a distinguished career, having found the net 26 times in the league during his first season at Old Trafford.