“I Wanted to Go to Manchester United” – Barcelona’s Polish Striker Robert Lewandowski Once Struggled to Understand Sir Alex Ferguson Before Jurgen Klopp Blocked the Transfer

When it comes to prolific goal scorers, Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski is one of the massive names in soccer. His stint at Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich earned him the reputation of a deadly finisher. Lewandowski has always been on the radar of many European giants, including Manchester United, since his Borussia Dortmund days.

The Polish striker made a move to FC Barcelona last summer from Munich. He is enjoying his life in Barcelona, and his goals have put the Catalan club in contention to win La Liga. However, the scenes would have been different if the then-Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp had not blocked his transfer. 

Robert Lewandowski on failed Manchester United move

United was in for striker in 2011-12. Their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson (SAF) had his sights set on Lewandowski, who was playing for Borussia Dortmund then. SAF called him over the potential move. The striker was keen, but Klopp blocked the move.

Lewandowski recently spoke of the German publication, Bild, revealing the story behind his failed move. The Polish striker said, “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. I was still in the dressing room. I took a shower and called him back, in a quiet corner,” he added. 

While speaking on struggling to understand what SAF was saying, Lewandowski said, “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. Ferguson tried to be considerate, spoke slowly.” 

Lewandowski told Bild, “I was 22-years-old, it was a special moment. I spoke to Aki Watzke and Jurgen Klopp in the camp. I wanted to go to Man Utd. But they said: ‘No chance, Robert. We need you. You have to stay’,” while speaking about how the move failed. It would have been a completely different story for the Barcelona forward had he joined Manchester United. 

Lewandowski is playing a vital role for Barcelona in La Liga

Barcelona is comfortably leading by 12 points in La Liga. They have one game in hand over the nearest rival, Real Madrid. Lewandowski is the leading goalscorer in La Liga with 17 goals and has helped Barcelona to get a 12-point lead.

READ MORE: Robert Lewandowski’s Next 2 Goals Will Cost $5 Billion FC Barcelona a Whopping $1.36 Million – Here’s Why

Barcelona won the Spanish Super Cup and can win another trophy in the form of La Liga. They performed badly in other tournaments. Amid the referee payments scandal, the Catalan club can clinch the La Liga title this season. 

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Had Lewandowski got more success at Manchester United?