Robert Lewandowski: "I said yes to Manchester United"

While the story of Robert Lewandowski's failed move to Blackburn Rovers is well told, the striker has revealed that he was even closer to moving to Manchester United.

After Lewandowski impressed with Lech Poznan in 2008/09 and 2009/10, scoring 32 goals in 58 league games, Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce enquired about bringing the Pole to the Premier League.

The volcanic ash clouds in Iceland, however, scuppered any potential deal, with Lewandowski unable to fly to the United Kingdom.

Lewandowski has admitted that he hadn't actually agreed to join Blackburn, but that he did agree to move to Manchester United two years later.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Lewandowski said: "The first thing is that I wanted to travel to Blackburn, but I have to say, I didn't decide at that time that I wanted to join Blackburn.

"But to Manchester United I did decide and said yes to this club. I wanted to join Manchester United, to see Alex Ferguson.

After the failed move to Blackburn, Lewandowski joined Borussia Dortmund where he scored 22 goals in his second season, establishing himself as one of Europe's best strikers. But despite Lewandowski agreeing to leave, the club were unwilling to let their star striker go.

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

"But it is true that I said yes to Manchester United."

The move could have changed so much for multiple clubs. Bayern Munich would likely have not signed Lewandowski two years later, and Manchester United wouldn't have signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal.

While the Dutchman was sensational in his first year with United, a significant dip in form saw him score 12 and 10 goals in his next two seasons, leaving for Fenerbahce.

With Van Persie departing and Wayne Rooney not getting any younger, United entered the transfer market for new options, none of which proved to be long-term solutions.

In three successive seasons, United signed Anthony Martial, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Romelu Lukaku. They would later sign Edinson Cavani, Odion Ighalo on loan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Benjamin Sesko is the latest forward addition at Old Trafford, and it is hoped the Slovenian can lead the line for years to come.

Liam Williams

• Manchester United F.C.
• Blackburn Rovers F.C.
• Premier League
• • 
  •