Ex-United boss Van Gaal reveals failed bid to sign Bayern's Lewandowski

If former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal had it his way during his time at the club, Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski would have swapped the Allianz Arena for Old Trafford.

Instead, the Dutch manager had to settle for sub-par alternatives such as Radamel Falcao, and the rest, in terms of the coach's United career, is history.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Van Gaal claims Bayern's unwillingness to part with Lewandowski, who is undoubtedly considered one of the top strikers in the world and has scored at least 30 league goals in each of the last two seasons, is what ultimately scuppered United's bid to sign him during the 66-year-old's two seasons in charge.

"He is currently the best striker in the world. I also wanted to train Lewandowski and wanted to bring him to Manchester United," Van Gaal said in an interview with Bild, as translated by ESPN FC. "The price was not a problem for Manchester United, but Bayern did not want to let him go."

The failed pursuit forced United to turn its attention elsewhere for attacking reinforcements. Anthony Martial, whom Van Gaal made the most expensive teenager in the world when he joined from AS Monaco, is one of the few successful forward signings made by the Dutchman, and the French international has developed into a legitimate attacking threat.

However, busts such as Falcao and Memphis Depay continue to be associated with the disappointing Van Gaal era, which came to an end when United officials replaced him with Jose Mourinho in 2016.