MU rejects Ruben Amorim's proposal to recruit Lewandowski
Sir Jim Ratcliffe supports Ruben Amorim but rejects the plan to bring Robert Lewandowski (37 years old, salary 540,000 pounds/week) to MU, prioritizing the young squad and reducing the salary fund.
Manchester United have ended the idea of bringing Robert Lewandowski to Old Trafford, despite the wishes of coach Ruben Amorim. According to Mirror, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe maintains his stance of not signing stars in the final stages of their careers, in the context of MU cutting wages and building a young squad. Lewandowski, 37, is injured and is paid around 540,000 pounds a week at Barcelona, while his current contract expires at the end of the season.
The reason behind MU's decision
The view from MU's top brass is clear: do not repeat the mistake of "expired" deals. Despite publicly supporting Amorim and being willing to provide a large budget for the summer transfer window, Sir Jim Ratcliffe still rejected the Lewandowski option because it contradicted the long-term strategy - rejuvenation, salary discipline and improving team sustainability.
On the other hand, Amorim has long admired Lewandowski and believes that a veteran striker can have a positive impact, helping other players develop. However, the Polish striker's current injury and high salary costs make this option considered "unfeasible" for MU at this time. At the same time, there is information that Cristiano Ronaldo wants Al Nassr to recruit the Barca striker, showing that the market for Lewandowski is still volatile.
Impact on MU's transfer strategy
The move reinforces United’s priority: to hunt for players in their prime or with great potential, ready to develop under Amorim. Rather than expecting a “shortcut” from a veteran superstar, the Red Devils are focusing on squad structure and dressing room stability – factors that are often disrupted by very high-wage contracts.
In this context, any investment will be balanced against salary caps and tactical fit, rather than pure reputation. That is the backbone of the rebuilding plan: young, hungry, affordable.
Attacking ecosystem: Mbeumo – Cunha and lessons from Brighton
The message of “putting faith in the current team” was also reinforced on the pitch. In round 9 of the 2025/26 Premier League, MU beat Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford, breaking the head-to-head curse thanks to the alternating brilliance of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. These goals not only brought 3 points but also showed Amorim’s direction: increasing mobility, tempo and pressure instead of depending on an older striker.
Signals from the academy: JJ Gabriel and the philosophy of rejuvenation
Before Brighton, Amorim also attracted attention when promoting 15-year-old talent JJ Gabriel to the first team and letting him appear in the preparatory match. It is a piece of the puzzle that fits the direction from the leadership: prioritizing the development of young talent, creating a runway for the future, instead of filling short-term gaps with large contracts.
Market contact: Rashford's future?
On the other hand, the salary situation also affects other files. Coach Hansi Flick is said to have urged Barcelona to pay MU 30 million euros to buy Marcus Rashford outright. Although nothing has been decided, this reality reflects two points: MU is willing to be aggressive with the salary structure and Barcelona is reviewing attack options, in which Lewandowski is currently under contract at the end of the season.
Notable numbers
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Robert Lewandowski's age | 37 |
| Salaries in Barcelona | 540,000 pounds/week |
| Contract with Barcelona | End of season deadline |
| MU - Brighton | 4-2 (Round 9 Premier League 2025/26) |
Summary
MU's rejection of the Lewandowski deal is a strategic statement: prioritizing a young, financially balanced and energetic squad. In the short term, Amorim still has the basis to optimize the existing attack - evidenced by the victory over Brighton - while continuing to pave the way for new talents to step up, in line with the long-term vision from the Old Trafford hierarchy.
