Robert Lewandowski recalls just how close he was to joining Man United after conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012

Robert Lewandowski has recalled the time he agreed to join Manchester United in 2012 before the deal collapsed.

Lewandowski, 36, is regarded as one of the most prolific strikers of his generation. He has netted over 400 career goals at the highest level for teams such as Bayern Munich and, his current club, Barcelona.

The Polish star first broke onto the scene while at Borussia Dortmund in 2010. Playing under the watchful eye of Jurgen Klopp, he exploded into life in his second season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions.

His performances caught the eye of a certain Sir Alex Ferguson who was going into his final season as United boss at the time.

Lewandowski has made it no secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford in the past, and now in the latter stages of his career, he has reflected on just how close he was to adorning the red of United.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, presented by Qatar Airways, he said: ‘I said yes to join Manchester United.’

Sir Alex Ferguson is said to have called up the Pole while he was heading into his last season

Lewandowski told Rio Ferdinand that Borussia Dortmund told him ‘they needed him’ to stay

‘I remember one conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson, that was 2012. I remember the conversation – [it was] before pre-season, I knew that he’s going to call to me.’

After disclosing that he had agreed a deal to sign for United, Ferdinand, who was still at the club during that period, asked Lewandowski why the transfer fell through.

‘Ask the club,’ replied Lewandowski. ‘I remember also the conversation with the president of Dortmund.

‘He said to me, they need me. They’re not going to sign me to Manchester United because I’m so important for them, and it’s not the perfect time now.

‘But that time I said yes, that’s true. I said yes to join Manchester United because if Sir Alex Ferguson calls you, you cannot say no. Especially when I was 22 or 23 years old.

‘At that time I was playing for Dortmund. I was happy but Manchester United are like the prime of Manchester United [back then].’

The Pole ended up staying at BVB for a further two seasons, reaching the Champions League final at Wembley in 2013 – which they lost to Bayern Munich.

Lewandowski ended up leaving Dortmund controversially in 2014 for their bitter rivals Bayern, where he spent eight years, finally capturing European football’s biggest trophy while at the Allianz Arena.

Lewandowski went on to stay at Dortmund for two more seasons before moving to Bayern Munich

United instead bought Robin van Persie from Arsenal who proved to be brilliant bit of business

Van Persie drove United to the Premier League title in what was Ferguson’s last campaign

During his time in Bavaria, the deadly finisher netted at will, scoring a remarkable 344 goals at a rate of just under a goal per game. 

However, he went on to leave the club in 2022 for Spanish giants Barcelona, where he plays now, winning the LaLiga title in his very first season.

His failed move to United didn’t end up harming either party because 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, ensuring Ferguson retired from the game as an English champion.