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Bryan Robson admits he and Sir Alex Ferguson were CONVINCED that Manchester United ‘landed Jude Bellingham’ before choosing Borussia Dortmund and claims the midfielder would have been a ‘great asset’ to the club
- Bryan Robson and Sir Alex Ferguson thought they had signed Jude Bellingham
- Robson, Ferguson and Eric Cantona had all met with Bellingham in Carrington
- However, he decided to sign for German giant Borussia Dortmund instead
- Robson said Bellingham would have been a ‘great asset’ to Man United
- He also thinks Bellingham will play a key role for England at the World Cup
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Bryan Robson has revealed how he and Sir Alex Ferguson were convinced Jude Bellingham would sign for Manchester United before moving to Germany.
Bellingham and his family met Robson, Ferguson and Eric Cantona at Carrington’s training ground to discuss a potential deal before signing for Dortmund.
Robson said he and Ferguson were confident they had ‘landed’ the England international and admitted he would have been a ‘great asset’ to the club.
Bryan Robson was convinced Manchester United had ‘landed’ the signing of Jude Bellingham (above) before deciding to join German giants Borussia Dortmund
Bellingham and his family met Robson (right), Ferguson (left) and Eric Cantona in Carrington to discuss a potential deal
Bellingham has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world after excelling in the Bundesliga with Dortmund.
However, Robson was convinced that the England international would take up his profession at Manchester United after meeting him several years ago.
Speaking of how United missed out on signing the rising star, Robson shared: The sun: ‘I saw him play up close against City.
The England international (L) has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world
Bellingham is wanted by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, who spent £271million this summer
“You could see how much progress he has made since we thought we landed him at Manchester United a few years ago.
Robson continued: ‘Unfortunately for us, he decided to move to Germany. We thought we had him more or less.
“Myself, Sir Alex and Eric Cantona all met him with his mother and father in Carrington and after that meeting we thought he would come to us.”
Robson has also backed the 19-year-old to star for England at the World Cup in Qatar.
He praised Bellingham’s “anticipation” and determination to win the ball, but said the youngster must “keep both feet on the ground” to reach his full potential.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp (R) is also interested in signing the 19-year-old star next summer
However, he will have to fight it out with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (R)
Robson said: “He has fantastic anticipation – as we saw in the way he shot into the penalty area to clear his header. But he also wins many battles.
“A lot of people think he’s more or less an attacking midfielder, but he can also go the other way. He’s a good size. He’s pretty fast and in fact he has a little bit of everything about him.
“Of course what he has to do is keep his feet on the ground and work hard to be the best he can be. But you can see why he has become such a big target in the market because he is such a great talent.
“And if he continues to perform as he did against City, he will be a big part of England’s World Cup bid.”
Bellingham’s market value could skyrocket if he plays a vital role for England at the World Cup
United’s new boss Erik ten Hag is said to be interested in signing Bellingham during next summer’s transfer window.
However, Chelsea also want to conquer Bellingham in the run-up to the 2023-2024 season.
Boehly – who spent £271million on new purchases this summer – is said to be a huge fan of the England international and interested in his services.
Liverpool have also identified the Borussia Dortmund star as the key piece of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield puzzle.