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Does this Bundesliga striker deserve a move to Manchester United?

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Ever since the new-look Dortmund side won the Bundesliga in style last season, eyes have been cast upon the talent on show in the black and yellow colours of the German champions. But, so far, their squad has remained pretty much entirely intact and continued to dominate proceedings this year, retaining their league crown and fighting off the challenge of Bayern Munich amongst others. But with Sir Alex Ferguson in attendance at the cup final win over Bayern, is this the time when Dortmund have to fight off attempts to lure away their stars?

After such an impressive campaign in 2010/11, eyebrows were raised at the attacking force Jurgen Klopp’s side had become. Mario Gotze was one of the stand-out performers, as he was this season, along with Kevin Großkreutz, Nuri Sahin and top scorer Lucas Barrios. Shinji Kagawa has been another consistent performer, one that Ferguson was admittedly interested in and primarily went to watch last weekend. However, in the 11/12 season, a new star has slowly emerged, leading the Dortmund line and displaying genuine talent at the age of 23. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who was recently named Bundesliga player of the season, has scored 30 goals this campaign to propel himself into the limelight and the watchful eyes of a few interested European managers.

With Dimitar Berbatov expected to depart from Old Trafford this summer, Sir Alex may well be on the lookout for a striker. Rooney is the main goalscorer and first name on the team-sheet for United at the moment, but aside from him, there are uncertainties over their attack. However, this isn’t for the lack of talent, with Hernandez and Welbeck offering their services. The latter is currently struggling with an ankle problem and has had injury worries in the past. Hernandez, who had a great season in 10/11, has struggled a bit with form and fell out of favour to Welbeck for periods. This could prompt Ferguson to take a look at the striker market and pick up a potential shrewd signing.

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With Lewandowski currently stalling over a new contract, now may be the time to put in a bid for the Polish international. His agent claims that United are interested and could be the ones to meet the player’s wage requirements after he refused an offer from Dortmund. However, the managing director has openly said that he may have to let Kagawa go, but is holding firm with the rest of his squad. Lucas Barrios was in a similar situation last season, and in January, but has remained at the club despite a difficult time in front of goal.

On paper, it seems that United will have to strengthen in order to repel the challenges of Manchester City next season, as the newly crowned champions are almost sure to add to their current abundance of talent. Although you would feel a central midfielder to be the main priority for Ferguson’s side, some added impetus up-front would surely help them through the course of next season. With multiple cup competitions to compete in, and the injury proneness of their front-men, Lewandowski appears to be a viable candidate to supplement United’s attack. He has proven he can score goals at a top level, ending this Bundesliga season as 3rd top striker with 22 goals. He also contributed in Europe and has experience in playing first team football week after week, playing all 34 of Dortmund’s league games.

If Manchester United do want to re-evaluate their attacking options, then Lewandowski will not break the bank like some other European targets. He has demonstrated key attributes like heading ability, composure, strength and finishing that would serve him well in England and I think he would bring a lot to the United squad. However it might depend on whether Ferguson wants to play Rooney as the main striker and if they can accommodate an extra body in the formation. Either way, a decent display with Poland at the fast-approaching European Championships may prove to be the perfect audition for Robert Lewandowski.

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