Manchester United made England wonderkid Jude Bellingham the club’s top target, The Mirror reported last month.
The midfielder’s reputation is soaring thanks to his sensational World Cup performances – but already the Red Devils’ chances are being written off.
Now there’s a very good chance Bellingham does choose to move elsewhere, potentially following Erling Haaland to Manchester City – or even Real Madrid.
Liverpool are also being put forward as a possible destination – but our message is ‘don’t write Manchester United’s chances off just yet’.
Here is a look at four reasons Manchester United still have a strong chance of landing the England wonderkid – despite claims otherwise.
Manchester United can secure a top four place
If Jude Bellingham were on the market last summer, United would not have been in the race. But right now, there are impressive changes going on at Old Trafford.
Securing a top four place and Champions League qualification would change everything. It would demonstrate United are back on track, and put the club in the Bellingham running.
Champions League football will surely be a pre-requisite for clubs competing for Bellingham’s signature. Having it on offer would show that Erik ten Hag is making progress, and the ambitious midfielder should want to be part of it.
There is also a knock-on effect of United landing a top four place, potentially knocking Liverpool out of the running.
United hold a four-point advantage over Jurgen Klopp’s side, winning the head to head clash between the two teams.
United takeover would see push for major signing
A new era could be upon us at Manchester United, with the long-awaited news the Glazers are prepared to sell the club.
New ownership means new money, and what better way to win over fans than to pay big for English football’s golden boy.
United could be one of the very few clubs who could afford to sign Jude Bellingham, and that alone puts the Red Devils into contention.
2020 interest can count in United’s favour
Manchester United hold long-standing interest in Jude Bellingham, and this can count in the club’s favour.
Amid all the bad decisions over the past few years at United, pursuing Bellingham was not one. It’s just a shame the club could not close the deal.
Bellingham will however know United’s interest in him is not kneejerk. He has already viewed the training ground, met club legends, and seen what he could have.
Back in 2020 he decided the right career move was to develop in Germany. It was a shrewd choice. But now he will believe he can compete with anybody, and will of course get first team football.
Perfect midfield partner gives Bellingham freedom
Bellingham’s decision in 2020 shows he takes his career development very seriously. So he has to strongly consider than in 2023, there could not be a better choice than choosing to play alongside the world’s best defensive midfielder.
Casemiro’s World Cup performances have underlined his credentials, and getting the chance to play alongside the Brazil international is going to be very tempting.
Bellingham will find it incredibly easy to play alongside Casemiro, who will allow him to get up and down the pitch and operate in a box to box role, knowing he has the world’s best defensive anchor behind him.
While there are talented players at every club showing interest, there is a ready-made midfield for Bellingham, as part of a three-man system with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
Together the midfield of Casemiro, Bellingham and Fernandes could be unstoppable, and the pair’s performances in Qatar will give the midfielder food for thought.
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