Manchester United have abandoned their pursuits of Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, according to the Daily Star. United have been tracking the Poland international for the last 18 months and failed with an £18 million bid while Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge. However, his successor, David Moyes, has now turned his back on the move, telling club bosses he does not want a new out-and-out striker. Moyes is convinced Wayne Rooney will sign a new contract, and therefore does not see the need to strengthen his forward line. Talks are set to begin with Rooney over a new deal in January, and come after the England international said he felt he has been "given a new lease of life" at Old Trafford under Moyes. That's in stark contrast to his apparent desire to quit the club earlier this summer, when Chelsea came calling. A club source said:
"Lewandowski has been a target but the new manager cant see where he would fit into the team. Other areas of the squad need strengthening and so the manager has turned his back on Lewandowski once and for all."
Rooney was the subject of two bids from Chelsea over the summer but United held their resolve and refused to to business with their rivals. Now, they are confident he will pledge his future to the club. The ex-Everton man will enter the final year of his contract next summer.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
