Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has revealed that he came close to joining Manchester United in 2012.

Rio Ferdinand, on his podcast, asked Lewandowski about how close he came to moving to Old Trafford.

"Yes, that's true [I almost signed]. I said yes to joining United in 2012."

So why didn't the deal go through?

"Ask the club. I remember that time and the conversation with the president of Borussia Dortmund.

"They said that the club needed me and they woudn't sell me as I was so important for them.

"I was happy playing for Dortmund but Manchester United - the prime of Manchester United...."