When Robert Lewandowski Almost Joined Manchester United: A Missed Premier League Dream

Discover the story of Robert Lewandowski's near-move to Manchester United in 2012 and how it shaped his illustrious football career.

Many football fans are familiar with the tale of the volcanic ash cloud that thwarted Robert Lewandowski's potential transfer to Blackburn Rovers. However, fewer know about another English club that the Polish striker wishes he had joined: Manchester United.

"To Manchester United, I decided and said yes," Lewandowski revealed in an interview with BBC Sport. "I wanted to join Manchester United, to see Alex Ferguson."

This opportunity arose in 2012, when Lewandowski was in sensational form at Borussia Dortmund. Two years prior, a volcanic eruption in Iceland had disrupted his move to Blackburn. Despite his desire to join the Red Devils, Dortmund was reluctant to let go of their star striker.

"They could not sell me," Lewandowski explained. "Because they knew if I stayed, they could earn more money, and that I could wait maybe one or two more years."

Although the move to Manchester United never materialized, Lewandowski's career has been nothing short of stellar. He has won the Champions League with Bayern Munich and secured two La Liga titles with his current club, Barcelona. At 37, he has no immediate plans to retire but acknowledges that his chance to play in the Premier League has likely passed.

Reflecting on his career, Lewandowski said, "Maybe it could be a regret [not to play in the Premier League]. But when I look back, having played for Bayern Munich, Dortmund, and now Barcelona, I have to say I am very happy with my career."

Lewandowski, who has scored over 700 career goals, is now the veteran in a youthful Barcelona squad. He believes he still has much to offer and is inspired by the young talents around him.

"When I see that I still don't have to catch the young guys, that they still have to catch me, it means this next season can also be very good," he said. "I am still there to show the best performance from myself."

Despite the age gap, Lewandowski finds value in learning from younger players like Lamine Yamal, who he believes has a bright future ahead.

"I understood that I cannot fight with them but I can help them, and they can also help me," he said. "I learn from them a lot. I didn't think it would happen like that."

Lewandowski's career has been marked by numerous achievements, including coming close to winning the Ballon d'Or. He was a favorite for the 2020 award, which was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and finished as the runner-up to Lionel Messi in 2021.

"I was in the best moment of my career, I won everything with my club," he recalled. "I think the difficult thing with that case is until now I don't know why."

Looking ahead, Lewandowski remains optimistic about the future, both for himself and for the young stars at Barcelona.

"You have so many players now who can [win the Ballon d'Or]," he said. "Lamine Yamal's season was incredible, but in the end, it depends on what is most important. He still has a lot of time, if not this year, maybe next year."

Lewandowski's journey has been shaped by influential figures, including former Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp, who played a pivotal role in his development.

"When I moved to Dortmund, I was a very young guy, I lost my father when I was 16," Lewandowski shared. "I met someone who I don't want to say was like a father but similar. The kind of conversation that I missed with my father, I had with Jurgen. It changed my life, it changed my football life."

Lewandowski's story is a testament to resilience and adaptability, proving that even missed opportunities can lead to extraordinary success.

What to Read Next

Mohamed Salah Makes History with Third PFA Crown as Morgan Rogers Emerges in Stellar 2024-25 Awards
Football

Mohamed Salah Makes History with Third PFA Crown as Morgan Rogers Emerges in Stellar 2024-25 Awards

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah cements his legacy with a record third PFA Player of the Year award after firing the Reds to Premier League glory. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers claims Young Player honors following his breakout season, while former England manager Gareth Southgate receives the prestigious Merit Award for transforming the national team's fortunes.

Transfer Saga Unfolds: Roma’s Bold Move for Manchester United Exile Jadon Sancho
Football

Transfer Saga Unfolds: Roma’s Bold Move for Manchester United Exile Jadon Sancho

AS Roma has submitted an official bid to acquire Manchester United’s out-of-favor winger Jadon Sancho, signaling a potential resolution to the England international’s turbulent tenure at Old Trafford. With Juventus also circling and United pushing for a permanent sale, the clock ticks toward the September 1 deadline.

Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace Future: Contract Talks Heat Up Amid Ambition & Conditions
Football

Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace Future: Contract Talks Heat Up Amid Ambition & Conditions

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish reveals ongoing negotiations with manager Oliver Glasner about a contract extension, emphasizing the need for 'aligned ambitions' as the Eagles soar in Premier League and European competitions.

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United Rebuild: Overcoming Adversity & Restoring Glory
Football

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United Rebuild: Overcoming Adversity & Restoring Glory

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim opens up about tactical evolution, cultural shifts, and long-term ambitions after a turbulent debut season marked by historic lows and renewed hope.

Wolves Secure £26M Deal for Girona’s Ladislav Krejci in Major Defensive Overhaul
Football

Wolves Secure £26M Deal for Girona’s Ladislav Krejci in Major Defensive Overhaul

Wolves near £26m acquisition of Czech defender Ladislav Krejci from Girona, bolstering their backline ahead of the transfer deadline. Pereira's fifth summer signing adds international experience as Wolves aim to reverse early-season struggles.

Chelsea Secure £60m Joao Pedro in Long-Term Deal Ahead of Club World Cup Debut
Football

Chelsea Secure £60m Joao Pedro in Long-Term Deal Ahead of Club World Cup Debut

Chelsea completes £60m signing of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton, with the 23-year-old eligible for immediate Club World Cup action against Palmeiras.

Tactical Evolution: Analyzing Manchester United's Encouraging Defeat Against Arsenal
Football

Tactical Evolution: Analyzing Manchester United's Encouraging Defeat Against Arsenal

An in-depth tactical examination of Manchester United's progressive performance against Arsenal, highlighting new signings' influence and systemic improvements despite narrow defeat.

Premier League Fantasy Football: Expert Picks, Tactics, and Gameweek 2 Team Selection
Football

Premier League Fantasy Football: Expert Picks, Tactics, and Gameweek 2 Team Selection

Master your Fantasy Premier League strategy with expert analysis, tactical insights, and a budget-friendly Gameweek 2 lineup featuring Haaland, Saka, and rising stars.

Manchester United Supports Amad Diallo Through Family Tragedy: A Test of Resilience and Team Unity
Football

Manchester United Supports Amad Diallo Through Family Tragedy: A Test of Resilience and Team Unity

Manchester United grants Amad Diallo compassionate leave following a family loss, as manager Ruben Amorim emphasizes player welfare over football priorities amid social media scrutiny.

Jack Grealish’s Everton Revival Sparks World Cup Redemption Debate
Football

Jack Grealish’s Everton Revival Sparks World Cup Redemption Debate

Jack Grealish's impactful performances at Everton reignite discussions about his potential role in England's 2026 World Cup campaign, as pressure mounts on manager Thomas Tuchel to reconsider the midfielder's international future.

Chelsea's Disruptive Blueprint: Redefining Success in Modern Football
Football

Chelsea's Disruptive Blueprint: Redefining Success in Modern Football

Examining Chelsea's controversial £1.6bn squad rebuild under US ownership: Can their youth-driven 'disruptor' model sustain trophy success while complying with financial regulations?

Transfer Frenzy: Liverpool's £130m Isak Pursuit Sparks Summer Domino Effect
Football

Transfer Frenzy: Liverpool's £130m Isak Pursuit Sparks Summer Domino Effect

Liverpool's British record move for Alexander Isak ignites summer transfer chaos as Saudi clubs circle, Newcastle eye Sesko replacement, and European giants battle for Diaz & Luiz.

The Rise of Micro Shin Pads in Football: Balancing Comfort and Safety
Football

The Rise of Micro Shin Pads in Football: Balancing Comfort and Safety

Exploring the growing trend of minimalist shin guards in professional football, their impact on performance, and ongoing safety debates across grassroots and elite leagues.

Newcastle's Isak Transfer Turmoil: Howe Addresses High-Stakes Standoff with Liverpool Target
Football

Newcastle's Isak Transfer Turmoil: Howe Addresses High-Stakes Standoff with Liverpool Target

Eddie Howe discusses the escalating Alexander Isak transfer drama as Newcastle rejects £110m Liverpool bid, revealing squad reintegration plans amid contractual tensions.

Mohammed Kudus: The Dribble Monarch Rewriting Tottenham's Midfield Legacy
Football

Mohammed Kudus: The Dribble Monarch Rewriting Tottenham's Midfield Legacy

Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus continues to redefine Tottenham's midfield dynamics with his league-leading dribbling stats and crucial goal contributions. This analysis explores how the £55m signing is exceeding expectations at Spurs.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.