Manchester United man reveals how they almost signed Jude Bellingham

Of late the story at Manchester United has always been one of what-ifs and misses. However, the latest revelation shows the spectacular fashion in which the club lost out on signing Jude Bellingham.

Manchester United are currently struggling for inspiration. A lot has been said about the club’s famed academy and how it is largely teenagers who have been keeping the club afloat this campaign. It is certainly the promising antics of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo which have reflected well on Erik ten Hag’s otherwise confusing tactical ploys.

However, what the club clearly lacks is a star attacker. Bruno Fernandes has been that figure occasionally but not in a sustainable manner. Marcus Rashford illustrated plenty of promise but in vain. However, another young player could have fulfilled that role today if his acquisition hadn’t been botched.

How Jude Bellingham almost joined Manchester United

According to Bryan Robson, speaking to the Telegraph, he and Eric Cantona did a ‘rubbish’ job at convincing a young Jude Bellingham to sign for the side.

Speaking in an interview on the matter, the former club legend shares, “It was really disappointing. We were at Carrington and Sir Alex Ferguson was there a little earlier than I was, but Eric [Cantona] and I met him, and his mum and dad, and we were chatting away.”

However, the meeting clearly didn’t materialize into anything as Bellingham went on to sign for Borussia Dortmund and then raise his profile, now sporting well for Real Madrid.

Robson rues the same, sharing “It was really looking promising that he was going to be signing for Manchester United… me and Eric did a rubbish job as he signed for Borussia [Dortmund]. We thought we had him in the bag.”

Oh, what could have been!