Jurgen Klopp blocked Robert Lewandowski from joining Manchester United 14 years before the club were linked with another stunning move for the forward ahead of this summer. Benjamin Sesko is currently the only experienced out-and-out striker in the United squad, leaving Michael Carrick light up top.
That, along with Rasmus Hojlund's expected permanent departure, means the Red Devils likely need to sign another top quality No.9 at the end of the season. Amid an unimpressive and over-inflated striker market, one inspired option is Barcelona target man Lewandowski.
The 37-year-old Pole's contract is set to expire in the coming months, meaning he could be signed on a free transfer, greatly boosting United's prospects of pushing on next season. Any potential transfer comes over a decade after both the player and United agreed a deal to bring him to Old Trafford.
Ferguson's Phone Call
Lewandowski himself has previously spoken about how, during his time at Borussia Dortmund, in 2012, he was substituted in a pre-season friendly against VfL Bochum. While his team-mates were still out on the pitch for the second half, the then-promising youngster received a phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson himself.
The legendary manager, speaking in his thick Scottish accent, convinced Lewandowski that a move to Manchester that summer was the right decision. Though he could barely understand what Sir Alex was saying, Lewandowski was ready to join the Premier League giants.
Klopp's Intervention
However, the move broke down as Dortmund, managed by Klopp, refused to let Lewandowski leave, believing he was too important. They had already lost Shinji Kagawa to United that same summer too.
Lewandowski recalled in an interview with SportBild: "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."
The striker added: "I was still in the dressing room, I took a shower and called him back, in a quiet corner. 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! Alex Ferguson tried to be considerate, spoke slowly. I was 22 years old, it was a special moment."
Lewandowski continued: "I spoke to Aki Watzke [Dortmund CEO] and Jurgen Klopp in the camp. I wanted to go to Man United! But they said: 'No chance, Robert. We need you. You have to stay'."
Career After the Blocked Move
Staying put was the right decision for both Lewandowski and Dortmund as he went on to score 64 goals in the next two seasons, reaching a Champions League final in the process. The Poland captain made a total of 187 appearances under Klopp, notching an impressive tally of 103 goals.
He joined rivals Bayern Munich in 2014, where he further established himself as arguably the best striker on the planet, having been unfortunate not to win a Ballon d'Or in 2020 due to the pandemic. He moved to Barcelona in 2022, contributing to two La Liga titles in three seasons so far.
After failing to lure Lewandowski away, United re-entered the market for a prolific forward in 2012 with a move for Arsenal's Robin van Persie. The Dutchman helped Ferguson win a final Premier League title of a glittering career, having scored 26 Premier League goals during his debut campaign with the club.
