Sir Alex Ferguson came within touching distance of signing world-class striker for Man Utd, only for transfer to be blocked

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Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson fell short of completing a sensational transfer for one superb striker, despite the player agreeing to an Old Trafford move.

Sir Alex Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the best managers of all time and the Manchester United legend had a massive impact on English – and world – football.

The 83-year-old Scotsman created an enduring legacy in his native homeland in Scotland with Aberdeen ahead of his arrival at Old Trafford in 1986.

Ferguson weathered a tough start to life in England with United before the former Red Devils manager ushered in a period of incredible success for the club.

During his legendary managerial career at Old Trafford, the Aberdeen legend became the first manager in history to lead an English club to a continental treble.

Ferguson’s incredible silverware haul at United included 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, five FA Cups and four League Cups.

The iconic Scot bowed out of Old Trafford as United manager after leading the Red Devils to their last Premier League trophy in the 2012-13 campaign.

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Ferguson wanted legendary striker at Man Utd

Sir Alex Ferguson was well known for bringing the best in class to Old Trafford during his legendary 26-year reign at the Premier League club.

The former Manchester United manager’s squad was stacked at times with talented strikers, including the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Andy Cole.

Robert Lewandowski was linked with United during his stunning run at Borussia Dortmund and the Polish striker admitted that he spoke with Ferguson.

Borussia Dortmund landed Robert Lewandowski from Polish side Lech Poznan in 2010 and he would become the key talisman under ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

The 36-year-old forward, who is now with Barcelona, lifted two Bundesliga titles and a German Cup during his sensational spell with German club Dortmund.

Lewandowski revealed that he told United he would sign for them when he was still at Dortmund and admitted it was hard to understand Ferguson due to his accent.

Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, he said: “I said yes to Manchester United. I think it was after my second season at Dortmund.

“I was talking to Sir Alex Ferguson – my English wasn’t good then and with his Scottish accent, I was trying to understand everything but it was very tough to understand every word he was saying!”

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Dortmund stopped Lewandowski transfer to Man Utd

Robert Lewandowski was heavily linked with United in 2012 after the Red Devils narrowly missed out on the league title to Manchester City.

Ferguson’s failure to sign the Poland captain led to him landing former United striker Robin van Persie from Premier League rivals Arsenal in 2012.

Robin van Persie’s stunning goalscoring exploits in the 2012-13 campaign ensured United captured the Premier League title before Ferguson retired in 2013.

Lewandowski left Borussia Dortmund in 2014 and completed a sensational free transfer move to German rivals Bayern Munich.

The ex-Dortmund striker achieved incredible success with Bayern Munich, including lifting eight Bundesliga titles, a Champions League and three German Cups.

Lewandowski, who left Bayern in 2022 and signed for Barcelona, revealed that Dortmund denied his move to United, despite him speaking with Ferguson.

“But as a 22- or 23-year-old guy, I was so happy to speak with Sir Alex Ferguson – he wants you and you say, ‘OK,’” he continued.

“But I told Borussia Dortmund that I wanted to join Manchester United and Dortmund said no.

“If they had said yes, I was probably going to play for Manchester United.”