Manchester United’s pursuit of Jude Bellingham kicked into gear at the weekend with a series of newspaper articles outlining the club’s plans.
The Times, The Telegraph and The Sun both reported Manchester United all simultaneously claimed Bellingham is United’s top transfer target for 2023.
Landing Bellingham is a big ask, and United have to work hard to ensure they are in contention. Earning a top four place, and Champions League football, is going to be key.
A pledge to make Bellingham the key part of United’s rebuild will also be crucial, tapping into the player’s ambition.
United’s trump card to sign Bellingham
Erik ten Hag is Manchester United’s trump card to sign Jude Bellingham, and the opportunity to work with the Dutchman could be an enticing one.
The reports have already underlined Ten Hag’s role as being potentially crucial, with the manager’s focus in the pursuit being heavily outlined.
The Times writes how Ten Hag believes Bellingham’s World Cup performances are of a lower level than his Dortmund displays, suggesting a high belief in what the midfielder is capable of.
The Telegraph point to Erik ten Hag’s track record of youth development, that he can be the right man to help the midfielder live up to his potential.
The report also states United will appeal to Bellingham that the side can be forged around him, whereas at City, he will simply become a cog in their machine.
The Manchester Evening News, which also ran the reports, claim Ten Hag would rather sign Bellingham than any young player in world football.
It is clear that with all these reports emerging at once, that Manchester United are already forging a strategy for the upcoming pursuit of Bellingham.
Whether it works, may depend on United’s success on the pitch and top four placing, but it is encouraging that the club are getting organised, long in advance.
The club clearly believe Erik ten Hag is a big selling point, and so they should, the manager is among the most highly rated in Europe.
Bellingham has the world at his feet, and he is assessing his future options. At this stage, United are right in the mix.
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