The Jude Bellingham decision which could hurt Manchester United after 7-0 defeat

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United’s 7-0 hammering at the hands of Liverpool was a brutal dismantling of Erik ten Hag‘s side.

The worst may not be over. The defeat, or more specifically, the manner of the loss, could be damaging.

This damage could be long-term too. Manchester United might find this defeat is a costly one in the pursuit of £130 million man Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham is a top target for Liverpool, with Sky Sports reporting earlier this year they are among the favourites for his signature.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023

United’s Bellingham chances take a hit

The game at Anfield was an opportunity for Manchester United to make a statement and show just how far the team have come.

United were 10 points ahead of Liverpool heading into the match, and lifted the Carabao Cup the week before.

Liverpool had been enduring a disappointing season by their standards, and are in a scrap to land a top four place.

A move to Old Trafford was looking like a more and more appealing destination for Bellingham, The Times speculated after the recent clashes with Barcelona.

But after the weekend’s defeat at Anfield, there is surely only one club Bellingham will be interested in joining, sadly for United.

This was United’s chance to land a knockout blow on Liverpool. Instead it is the Red Devils on the canvas, wondering what went wrong.

Bellingham even ‘liked’ a post from Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrating the victory, The Mail reported.

Liverpool’s win was so convincing that even if they fail to land a top four place, Bellingham could have been won over by their performance.

The prospect of the young whizkid signing for Liverpool is an unhappy one where Manchester United are concerned.

Consider how tough it was playing against Liverpool yesterday, and then add Bellingham into the mix for Jurgen Klopp’s side, and more miserable visits to Anfield look likely for the years ahead.

Last summer, if Bellingham had been on the market, Manchester United would not have even been in the mix. So it is a sign of progress that reports emerged in The Telegraph earlier this season claiming he is the club’s top priority.

How United can still win Bellingham over

The fight for Bellingham is not over yet, but it’s pretty clear Manchester United are currently outsiders.

The big objective must be to finish above Liverpool in the league table. This at least gives United a fighting chance, and it could knock them into the Europa League, if another team finishes above them too.

It is also important to bounce back from this defeat strongly, and that means winning another trophy. That would send a real statement, with both the FA Cup and Europa League up for grabs.

The third aspect of all this is for a takeover to be completed. This will provide the funds to pay the fee for the midfielder. But money won’t be enough, Erik ten Hag’s side must bounce back and demonstrate that Old Trafford is the place to be.