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Robert Lewandowski shares the real reason he didn’t sign for Manchester United in 2012

Charles Jones

Thu 21 November 2024 8:35, UK

Manchester United have missed out on signing some amazing players over the years.

David Moyes wanted to sign Gareth Bale at Manchester United, while United also missed out on Cesc Fabregas in the early 2000s.

Now, speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Robert Lewandowski has revealed that he almost signed for United in 2012.

The striker has since gone on to become one of the best players in the world, winning almost every trophy imaginable at club level including a Champions League title with Bayern Munich in 2020.

Lewandowski says that he had decided to join Manchester United around that time, but he ultimately stayed at Borussia Dortmund because the president decided not to sell the striker.

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Robert Lewandowski almost joined Man United

Lewandowski shared how he almost signed for the Red Devils.

The Polish striker says he was ready to join United in 2012, but the move was blocked by Dortmund.

This isn’t the only time Lewandowski has flirted with the Premier League. Chelsea wanted Lewandowski a few years ago when he left Bayern Munich.

“Yeah, exactly. Well, I remember one conversation with Alex Ferguson, you know, for example, that was 2012. You were playing that time,” Lewandowski said.

“You almost signed for United?” Ferdinand asked.

“I decided to join to Manchester United,” Lewandowski said.

“What year? What year?” Lewandowski was asked.

“2012,” Lewandowski said.

“Yeah. I remember the conversation that was in the, before preseason, we were playing some games. I was, I knew that he’s going to call to me.

And at half time, I was subbed off because I knew that I was playing 45 minutes. I had the call. And that time, you know, my English, you know, that was on a different level.”

“So why didn’t you sign?” Lewandowski was asked.

“Ask the club, you know,” Lewandowski said.

“No, I remember that time. I remember also the conversation with the president of Dortmund. He said to me, they need him and they’re not going to sell me to Manchester United because I’m so important for them. And it’s not enough, it’s not the perfect time now.

“So yeah, but that time I say yes, yeah, that’s true. I said yes to join to Manchester United because if Alex Ferguson call you, you cannot say no, no, you know, especially when I was 22 or 23 years old. And you know, that time I was playing for Dortmund, even I was happy about Manchester United, like the prime of Manchester United, you know.”

Robert Lewandowski’s goalscoring record since 2012

It’s fair to say that Manchester United missed out on a truly incredible signing here.

Lewandowski has gone on to become one of the greatest strikers of his generation, and his goalscoring record since 2012 shows just how brilliant he is.

Even now at the age of 36, Lewandowski is the leading striker in La Liga, he’s hit 14 goals in 13 league games this season as the Spanish giants look to win the league.

As for United, they instead signed Robin van Persie that summer, a move that helped them win the Premier League title that year, but, sadly Van Persie’s best years were quickly behind him as he entered his 30s.

Meanwhile, Lewandowski is still going strong 12 years later, and who knows? Perhaps United could’ve continued to win major trophies during this period if they had Lewandowski leading their line.