Romano pours cold water on Man United’s Lewandowski links as striker plan takes shape

Another day, another marquee link for Manchester United — and another reality check. The Robert Lewandowski chatter has been bubbling away, with whispers ranging from a 2026 notion to talk of a move next summer. But let’s deal in facts: Fabrizio Romano’s latest line is that there are no negotiations taking place between United and the Barcelona striker right now. That should cool a few jets around Old Trafford.

Romano’s update: no talks on the table

Romano, writing in his exclusive newsletter, has made it clear he’s not aware of any discussions between the Red Devils and the Polish great at this moment. It’s the sort of straight bat United fans needed amid the swirl of headlines. Interest? Admiration? Sure, who wouldn’t admire Lewandowski’s catalogue of goals. But movement? Not currently.

United’s No 9 puzzle is already complicated

Let’s be honest, United’s centre-forward department has been a revolving door. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee arrived in the same window, only for Hojlund to be shipped out on loan and Zirkzee to scrap for minutes once Benjamin Sesko was brought into the fold. That’s a lot of cooks for one kitchen, and precious few starts to go around.

Does a Lewandowski swoop make sense?

On his best day, Lewandowski walks into most XIs in Europe — even at 37. But the ledger matters. Reports peg his Barcelona wage around £430,000 a week, and while talk of a contract running down next summer will spark “free transfer” headlines, the total package would hardly be free once you factor in salary and bonuses. For a United hierarchy that has just invested heavily in Sesko, a short-term fix could stall the Slovenian’s development and clog up the pathway again.

What next for the Polish superstar?

Where he lands will be fascinating. Nearing the twilight, he may struggle to find a like-for-like wage elsewhere, yet someone will be tempted — elite goals are the rarest currency in football. If United stay sensible, they’ll back their plan, give Sesko the platform, and resist a marquee detour unless the numbers and the role are spot on.

If you’re weighing up the wider market and fancy a flutter on where the next big name might pop up, have a browse of our best betting sites for form guides and odds. But for now, the Lewandowski-to-United talk is just that — talk — until something concrete hits the table.

Bottom line: United need clarity up front, not another headline. If they keep their nerve, the long-term play could finally start to look like a plan rather than a patch-up.