Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Manchester United should consider a move for Jude Bellingham after claiming the England star is a player that they “don’t want to miss.”
Bellingham has emerged as one of Europe’s top prospects and established himself as a crucial first-team player at Borussia Dortmund.
The 18-year-old midfielder left Birmingham City in 2020 to complete a stunning £25m transfer to the Bundesliga club, despite interest from United at the time.
Advert
United reportedly made an offer for Bellingham and attempted to incentivise a move to Old Trafford by bringing legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson to help in the talks.
Bellingham made 46 appearances for Dortmund across all competitions last season and scored four times and registered four assists.
The former Birmingham City star has secured regular Champions League football with the German club and is tipped to play a big role in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Read More:
Bellingham is under contract with Dortmund until 2025 and could cost United up to a staggering £100m to secure his services.
Advert
Ferdinand believes that Bellingham, who has also been linked with Liverpool, could significantly strengthen United’s fragile midfield.
When asked which one of the three midfield roles the England star could play in at United, he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE: “Any. He’s that good.
“Serious. In the England youth teams, there are times when he’s played as the holding midfielder. Times he’s played as the 8 and been box-to-box.
“And also times when he’s been told he can join the attacks more. He has the capabilities and capacity to play all of the roles, he’s that good.
Advert
“I think for him, I see him as being someone who can do it all. There aren’t many midfielders in the game now that can attack and defend -- affect the game at both ends.
Read More:
“When you are one of the super clubs, there are talents out there that make you think if we have the capacity and financial muscle, then he’s one you don’t want to miss.”
Advert
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has faced scathing criticism over his side’s form and mixed results this season.
The 48-year-old Norwegian has favoured a midfield partnership between Scott McTominay and Fred, with the latter blasted by United legend Roy Keane.
Featured Image Credit: PA/Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVETopics: Rio Ferdinand, Jude Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga, Germany, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football