As the 2025/26 season approaches, Manchester United supporters continue to reflect on the club’s transfer history and the players who might have shaped their fortunes differently.
The Premier League remains a magnet for the world’s top talent, with many stars eyeing a chance to compete at Old Trafford.
Yet, the club has had near misses that fans still ponder, especially involving some of the greatest strikers of recent times.
One name that inevitably comes up is Robert Lewandowski, the prolific Barcelona forward who has consistently performed at the highest level well into his mid-30s.
Robert Lewandowski, aged 36, will spearhead Barcelona’s attack again this season, with United’s own Marcus Rashford serving as one of his back-up options.
The Poland international’s career is decorated with numerous achievements, including being the all-time leading scorer for his country and the third-highest scorer in Champions League history.
He is also one of only five players to have scored over 100 goals for three different clubs and has amassed more than 700 senior career goals for club and country.
Despite this glittering resume, United fans are left wondering what might have been, especially after Lewandowski revealed that a move to Old Trafford nearly happened over a decade ago.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Lewandowski admitted: “To Manchester United I decided and said yes.
“I wanted to join Manchester United, to see Alex Ferguson.”
The potential transfer came two years after a volcanic ash cloud in Iceland had already scuppered a move from Borussia Dortmund to Blackburn Rovers.
He continued: “They [Borussia Dortmund] could not sell me.
“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.”
Lewandowski eventually stayed at Dortmund before joining Bayern Munich, where he became a club legend.
Reflecting on missing out on playing in the Premier League, he said: “Maybe it could be a regret [not to play in the Premier League].
“But when I am looking back [having] played for Bayern Munich, Dortmund and now Barcelona I have to say I am very happy with my career.
“I don’t have this kind of feeling that I missed something, because every move or decision… I made because I wanted it.”
This revelation adds another layer to Manchester United’s transfer saga history.
