Ratcliffe Blocks Lewandowski Move, Favors Youth

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has blocked manager Rúben Amorim's push to sign 37-year-old Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, whom Amorim wanted as a short-term signing and mentor for United’s young forwards. Ratcliffe has made clear he will not back signings of players nearing the end of their careers, favoring a younger, data-driven recruitment model with resale value and lower long-term wage commitments. Lewandowski is in the final year of his Barcelona contract and is widely expected to leave as a free agent, though he currently earns a substantial wage. United have already refreshed their attack this summer with Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and are planning further squad adjustments, including potential January moves and midfield reinforcements. Ratcliffe frames the approach as a deliberate break from past expensive veteran signings — including Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, Edinson Cavani and Bastian Schweinsteiger — that he views as mistakes.