Robert Lewandowski has revealed a fascinating chapter from his early career, disclosing that he had an agreement to join Manchester United back in 2012, a move that was ultimately blocked by his then-club, Borussia Dortmund. This revelation adds another layer to the story of Lewandowski, who has since cemented his place as one of the greatest strikers in football history, with standout performances for Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona over the past decade.
Before his illustrious career took off, Lewandowski had multiple brushes with the Premier League. In 2010, he came close to signing with Blackburn Rovers. The deal was nearly sealed, but an unexpected obstacle—the Icelandic volcanic eruption that grounded flights across Europe—prevented the transfer from happening. Just two years later, Lewandowski seemed on the verge of moving to England again, this time to join Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.
Despite reaching an agreement with United, Borussia Dortmund refused to let Lewandowski leave Signal Iduna Park. Reflecting on this missed opportunity, Lewandowski recently shared his experience with The Sun. “I was 22, 23 years old, and it was after one or two years in Dortmund when Sir Alex called me,” he recalled. “You cannot say no to him; it was the prime of Manchester United, the prime of Sir Alex Ferguson. I was decided, okay, I want to join Manchester United. But in the end, Dortmund said no. So I had to respect this.”
The Polish striker’s recounting highlights the respect and admiration he held for Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United at the time. However, with Dortmund’s firm stance, Lewandowski’s path took a different turn. United, needing a new striker, shifted their focus to Robin van Persie. Van Persie’s arrival proved pivotal as he led United to their most recent Premier League title and secured the Golden Boot in Ferguson’s final season before retirement.
Lewandowski’s career trajectory post-2012 further illustrates what a significant player United missed out on. He continued to shine at Dortmund, securing two Bundesliga titles before making a high-profile move to their arch-rivals, Bayern Munich. At Bayern, Lewandowski’s prowess in front of goal reached new heights, as he became a central figure in the club’s domestic and international successes, including multiple Bundesliga titles and a Champions League triumph.
This narrative not only underscores Lewandowski’s enduring quality and success but also reflects the fine margins and pivotal moments that can shape football careers. It also serves as a reminder of how football history might have been different had Dortmund not blocked his move to Manchester United. The story of Lewandowski’s almost-transfer is a testament to the unpredictability of football, where even the most promising deals can fall through, altering the course of careers and club fortunes.