Prolific Champions League striker reveals Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp blocked shock Man Utd switch

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has revealed Jurgen Klopp blocked a potential move to Manchester United during his time with Borussia Dortmund.

The Poland international has been linked with a move to the Premier League on several occasions during his career, with the eruption of Iceland volcano Grimsvotn said to have prevented a switch to Blackburn Rovers in 2010.

However, it is the Red Devils that are said to have made the first firm move for the prolific frontman as he forged a fearsome reputation scoring over a century of goals in 187 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund before joining Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich during the summer of 2014. Lewandowski has revealed he received an approach from former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson but was denied an opportunity to test his fortunes at Old Trafford by current Liverpool boss Klopp.

Speaking in a recent interview with German outlet Sport BILD, he said: “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. 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. I spoke to Aki Watzke and Jürgen Klopp in the camp. I wanted to go to Man United! But they said: ‘No chance, Robert. We need you. You have to stay’.”