Robert Lewandowski’s Near Move to Manchester United in 2012: A Story of What Could Have Been
When talking about the careers of football's greatest strikers, it always seems like the name of Robert Lewandowski comes up. The Polish goal machine has made for himself a reputation in Europe's biggest stadiums with clinical finishing and footballing intelligence-first for Borussia Dortmund, then Bayern Munich, and now with FC Barcelona. But history could have come out remarkably different. Back in 2012, Lewandowski was close to wearing the iconic red for Manchester United, he says in an interview recently.
The Call That Changed It All
It was 2012, and Sir Alex Ferguson was managing Manchester United, hungry for the missing piece to their already capable squad. He called Lewandowski himself, then flying high in his career with Borussia Dortmund.
"I said yes to Manchester United because when Sir Alex Ferguson calls, you simply cannot say no," Lewandowski shared in an interview with **FIVE UK**, Rio Ferdinand's media outlet. Naturally, the chance to work under one of football's most celebrated managers was tantalizing. Ferguson's Manchester United were juggernauts of the Premier League, and Lewandowski might have been the perfect fit in their attacking setup.
Why the Move Didn't Happen
Nevertheless, Lewandowski was willing to make the leap to Old Trafford; alas, Borussia Dortmund had other plans. By the time the Polish striker had secured consecutive Bundesliga titles and shone in the Champions League, he was indispensable for the German club.
"Dortmund told me, 'We need you. We're not going to sell you because you're too important for us right now,'" Lewandowski recalled. Understandable from the club's standpoint, though that left United to move on.
The Robin van Persie Effect
With Lewandowski off the table, Manchester United moved on to target Robin van Persie, who had less than a year remaining on his Arsenal contract. The signing of Van Persie proved to be a masterstroke, with the Dutchman netting 26 times as United won their 20th league title in Ferguson's final season.
Yet, fans can't help but wonder: What if Lewandowski had joined United instead? Could he have spearheaded the club to even greater success, or would the pressure of England’s top flight have stifled his burgeoning talent?
Lewandowski’s Legacy Post-2012
Though the Manchester United move fell through, Lewandowski’s career trajectory remained nothing short of phenomenal. In 2014, he moved to Bayern Munich, where he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest strikers of all time. His accolades include numerous Bundesliga titles, a Champions League trophy, and the 2020 FIFA Best Men’s Player award.
Currently plying his trade at FC Barcelona, Lewandowski continues to defy age with his relentless goal-scoring exploits. Yet, his near move to United serves as a reminder of the fine margins which shape football history.
What Could Have Been
It's a bittersweet revelation for Manchester United fans, as Lewandowski's strength, technical ability, and goal-scoring would have suited the Premier League perfectly. It's interesting to think that on the same pitch as Wayne Rooney in 2012, he may have led United into a new generation of dominance.
But the footballing gods had something else entirely in mind. Instead, the Premier League missed out on one of its potential greats, while Lewandowski forged his own route to immortality elsewhere.
Conclusion
That Robert Lewandowski revealed he might have joined Manchester United in 2012 creates a "what-if" scenario that is seen as very interesting to the football fraternity. What happened was typical of how transfers work in football-a number of decisions behind closed doors that change careers and clubs forever.
For United, it's a case of what could have been. As for Lewandowski, it is no more than another chapter in an illustrious career full of triumphs, grit, and an inexorable pursuit of excellence.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Lewandowski would have succeeded for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson? Let us know in the comments below.