Given recent news that Real Madrid are willing to up the ante in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, it has now become urgent for Manchester United to match their opponent’s drive.
It is not surprising that the Whites are already starting their campaign to take Bellingham to the Bernabéu. The Athletic has reported that a host of European giants will compete for his signature next summer.
United have been longtime admirers of the Birmingham host and have sought him out since he was 12 years old. But why is it critical that they fight for the transfer this summer?
First of all, Bellingham’s youth combined with his already impeccable qualities and mature attitude suggest that he will be a world champion for at least the next decade.
Although United’s midfield of Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro look very impressive on paper, their age profile hardly fits a progressive Erik ten Hag side.
Fernandes is the only one of the aforementioned trio under 30 (he turned 28 last month). Ten Hag’s famous Ajax side from 2019 featured Donny van de Beek and Frenkie de Jong, two midfielders who were in their early twenties at the time.
It is this neglect of youthful midfield energy and tenacity that would make Bellingham such an attractive addition to Ten Hag’s current options.
Also, could Ten Hag’s consistent history of turning young players into superstars sway Bellingham’s decision-making?
His dynamism in conjunction with his age seems incredibly fitting for a side that lacks adaptability and vitality.
Furthermore, United have shown that they are not afraid to empty their pockets for the right young player. For example, Jadon Sancho cost £75 million; Antonio cost £85 million; It was agreed that the fees for Anthony Martial and Amad Diallo, including possible add-ons, would reach £58m and £40m respectively.
Although Dortmund bosses are said to be expecting offers in excess of £100m, United’s huge recruitment last summer in combination with Ten Hag’s tendency to use the academy could make Bellingham a sole focus for the next window. important transfer.
Secondly, Bellingham’s style of play seems to fit well with United’s aim at the moment. Erik ten Hag has shown his desire for the team to push teams back.
SofaScore has pointed out that one of Bellingham’s main attributes is his high pressure. In fact, he is averaging 0.53 tackles in the opposing third per 90 minutes, putting him in the top 95th percentile among his fellow midfielders, according to FB Ref.
Meanwhile, his ability to play in midfield is already world class. Bellingham is averaging 10.67 passes under pressure per 90 minutes. This places him in the 92nd percentile compared to his peers.
Although Bellingham likes to dribble down the field from deep (he’s averaging 1.77 dribble completions per game), it’s his courage to be available in front of the ball that stands out.
The youngster receives 5.26 progressive passes for every 90. This places him in the 96th percentile of midfielders for the same action.
United’s lack of options in midfield, whether in deep midfield or attacking midfield, has been laughable.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf often attempted wonder balls for wingers last season, as their search for an available teammate in midfield was often unsuccessful.
Bellingham’s excellent technical qualities and mature style of play would see him an ideal fit for this United team and for Erik ten Hag’s philosophies as a manager who favors courageous, tenacious and attacking ideals.
Thirdly, and quite rightly following the discussion of Bellingham’s qualities, United’s midfield depth is inadequate.
Scott McTominay, Fred and Donny van de Beek have all shown that their skills are insufficient to propel United into a title challenger.
Even if they were considered as squad players, there is not enough quality in depth to make up for the main midfielders of Eriksen, Casemiro and Fernandes.
Carlo Ancelotti showed during Madrid’s title-winning La Liga campaign last season how vital it is to have an exceptional rotation in midfield, for example.
Bellingham could become a key cog in developing United’s midfield into a dominant, competitive machine that would not have to rely on one team member performing to a high degree.
Ten Hag wanted Frenkie de Jong to be that player last summer. But it is clear that the Dutchman does not want to leave Barcelona.
In fact, Bellingham has turned down United before. After meeting with Bryan Robson, Sir Alex Ferguson and Solskjær’s staff, his family decided that Dortmund and the Bundesliga would be the best option for a player who had just turned 17.
Is now the ideal time for him to make the move and complement United’s midfield depth? Is now the ideal time for him to show off his cultured and superior talent at Old Trafford? Is now the ideal time for United to secure the signing of another young star?
