Football legend Rio Ferdinand has encouraged his former club, Manchester United, to consider bringing in Robert Lewandowski this summer.

Speaking on his personal YouTube channel, the former world-class defender said, “Lewandowski wouldn’t be a bad choice if they’re thinking of adding another striker.”

Ferdinand elaborated that if United are ready to trust Benjamin Sesko as their long-term centre-forward—after spending €76.5 million to sign him from RB Leipzig last summer—then the Polish veteran would be the perfect mentor. “If you think Sesko is your man for the next five years, he could learn so much from Lewandowski. He’s a brilliant, humble personality who would guide Sesko and help him develop,” Ferdinand explained.

Lewandowski is expected to leave FC Barcelona on a free transfer this summer, meaning United could sign him without paying a fee. “That would be a smart move, even if the salary expectations are a bit crazy,” Ferdinand commented, adding that United would still need to offer a sizeable wage package to tempt him to Old Trafford. “If the goal is to strengthen the squad, he’d bring great character. It’s going to be a fascinating summer to watch who Manchester United bring in,” he concluded.

Robert Lewandowski: Have Juventus and Milan fallen out of the race?

Until the middle of May, it remained uncertain whether Lewandowski would depart Barcelona upon the expiry of his contract in June or agree to a new deal with the Catalan side. Reports in Spain suggested that the reigning LaLiga champions offered the 37-year-old striker an extension on reduced terms, but he turned it down after weighing his options.

Now, the experienced forward faces two main pathways: a financially rewarding move to the United States or Saudi Arabia, or a continued stint in Europe’s top leagues. Juventus and AC Milan were both linked with him, but their failure to qualify for the Champions League could deter the Pole. If Lewandowski prioritises playing in Europe’s elite competition, both Italian clubs would be out of contention.

Portuguese champions FC Porto, who can provide Champions League football, are also monitoring his situation closely. Additionally, Manchester United have entered the frame for the Poland international. Having finished third in the Premier League last season, the Red Devils will return to the Champions League next term. Interestingly, Lewandowski has a past connection with the club – in 2024, he revealed to Ferdinand on his YouTube show that he had agreed to join United back in 2012, but Borussia Dortmund blocked the transfer. He eventually joined Bayern Munich two years later.

Is Robert Lewandowski the striker Manchester United need?

Even though Lewandowski wasn’t a regular starter for Barcelona last season, he still played a valuable role under Hansi Flick. The Polish striker demonstrated that his finishing instinct remains intact, netting 14 goals in 31 LaLiga appearances.

At United, Benjamin Sesko took time to adapt but ended the season on a high, scoring 11 goals in 30 Premier League matches. Matheus Cunha, who prefers to drift into deeper or wider areas, provides manager Michael Carrick another strong option in the No. 9 position, while Joshua Zirkzee continues to impress as a super-sub and could leave next summer.

Reports indicate that United are in the market for an experienced frontman, and Lewandowski—still sharp and motivated despite his age—ticks all the right boxes for that role.

Robert Lewandowski's 2025/26 season statistics

Games: 46

Goals: 19

Assists: 4