Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reportedly had his sights set on a sensational move for Robert Lewandowski next summer, but his plans appear to have been thwarted by the club’s ownership.
According to the Mirror, Amorim was keen to bring the veteran Barcelona striker to Old Trafford once his contract with the Spanish champions expires.
However, manager Sir Jim Ratcliffe has firmly rejected the idea, sticking to his philosophy of avoiding short-term deals, marking a clear break from United’s transfer policy of the past decade.
Robert Lewandowski faces an uncertain future at Barça
At 37, Lewandowski remains one of the most decorated strikers in world football. His contract with Barcelona runs until the summer of 2026, but reports suggest the Catalan club will see this as the final chapter of his tenure at the Camp Nou and are unlikely to extend his contract.
The Poland international has enjoyed an illustrious career, amassing more than 600 goals in total, and Amorim sees him as the ideal mentor and short-term attacking solution for a Man United side that continues to search for stability in front of goal.
Lewandowski’s presence may have provided guidance to younger players such as Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee. However, Ratcliffe, who currently oversees the football side of Man United’s management, is said to have rejected this proposal outright.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants young players
The INEOS president has revealed that the club will no longer invest in players who are nearing the end of their careers.
United’s acquisitions of aging stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane and Bastian Schweinsteiger have generated short-term excitement, but have limited long-term value and often leave clubs burdened with large wage bills and little return on investment.
Ratcliffe’s decision reflects the company’s push for a young, data-driven recruiting model that focuses on players with potential resale value and longevity.
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