Michael Carrick could bring one of Europe’s best strikers of all time to Manchester United on a free this summer
Michael Carrick could improve Manchester United’s attack with an iconic forward signing this summer(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
Manchester United have long known better than to let a golden opportunity in the transfer market pass them by. This summer’s rebuild is no exception, with Michael Carrick presented with the chance to bring in one of European football’s most prolific finishers of all time.
As if that wasn’t incentive enough, the legendary figure in question would also be available on a free transfer. That’s unless something dramatic unfolds at the Camp Nou between now and the end of the current season.
Barcelona look set to allow Robert Lewandowski to walk away for nothing when his contract expires at the end of June. Yet the Pole, who boasts a remarkable 716 goals in 1,029 professional appearances, continues to demonstrate he remains a force at the highest level, with 17 finishes and four assists in 41 appearances this campaign.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
Carrick found his attacking options somewhat stretched when summer signing Benjamin Sesko picked up an injury in late 2025. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo stepped in as makeshift strikers during that period, though neither is perhaps the quality United would ideally wish to depend upon in that position.
With Lewandowski’s deal winding down, United could in theory agree a pre-contract with the striker immediately. The fact Poland have failed to qualify for World Cup 2026 is an added bonus, affording him a full pre-season under Carrick — or whoever ultimately takes the permanent role at Old Trafford.
Robert Lewandowski could join United more than a decade after he came close to moving in the past(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Even as he nears his 38th birthday in August, Lewandowski remains an attractive prospect on a cut-price deal, even if solely to guide the development of a young Sesko for a season or so. The former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund star came within touching distance of joining United over a decade ago and has disclosed that he approved the switch before being blocked.
“To Manchester United I decided and said yes,” he told BBC Sport last year. “I wanted to join Manchester United, to see Alex Ferguson.
“They [Dortmund] could not sell me because they knew if I stayed they could earn more money, and that I could wait maybe one or two more years. But it is true that I said yes to Manchester United.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
He continued: “But when I am looking back [having] played for Bayern Munich, Dortmund and now Barcelona I have to say I am very happy with my career. I don’t have this kind of feeling that I missed something, because every move or decision… I made because I wanted it.”
There may be a few hopeful glances around Old Trafford that the veteran striker isn’t finished wanting to expand his collection of elite clubs. And the recent resurgence under Carrick could prove sufficient to entice him should United make contact.
It’s hardly surprising Barcelona are prepared to part with Lewandowski considering his age and the club’s stretched finances. Precise details regarding the striker’s salary differ, as they’ve reportedly risen over time, but Barca’s top earner is believed to collect somewhere in the region of £400,000 to £500,000 per week.
Lewandowski would need to reduce those demands by at least half before any deal could realistically be explored. However, if he were prepared to accept a significant wage reduction, a transfer more than a decade in the making could still prove beneficial for all involved.