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Sir Alex Ferguson was reportedly left 'incandescent' after Manchester United football director John Murtough failed to give him time to speak to Jude Bellingham as the teenager toured the club's facilities.
The feud between Ferguson and Murtough took place in March 2020, when Bellingham, then 16 and still at Birmingham City, toured United's Carrington training ground.
According to The AthleticsThen United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted a charm offensive to convince the prodigy to sign for them.
Solskjaer and his assistants had prepared an analytical presentation to chart Bellingham's path to United's first team and convince the player and his family.
He believed that an introduction to legendary manager Ferguson would help seal the deal.
Manchester United failed to sign Jude Bellingham, now a Real Madrid star, in 2020
Sir Alex Ferguson (left) was reportedly left 'glowing' after John Murtough (right) led Bellingham and his parents away before he had a chance to speak to the teenager
Bellingham was part of Birmingham City's first team at the age of 16, attracting interest from a number of top clubs including United and Borussia Dortmund
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However, Murtough disagreed and only allowed Ferguson to greet and shake hands with Bellingham before leading the players and his parents out of the room to continue the tour.
Ferguson was apparently furious that he was now allowed to talk to the teenager and later told Murtough directly. Murtough insists it was a misunderstanding.
Bellingham decided to sign for German club Borussia Dortmund instead of United, with a £25 million deal completed in July 2020.
The now 20-year-old midfielder has since developed into a crucial player for Real Madrid and England.
The Athletic says there has long been a mistrust between Ferguson and Murtough, with the latter's influence increasing after David Moyes – Ferguson's choice to succeed him in 2013 – was sacked after just nine months.
Murtough also clashed with Nicky Butt, who was moved from academy head to a newly created position of head of first-team development in 2019.
A blazing row broke out between the pair in the Carrington canteen after Butt accused Murtough of a 'secret plot' to move him out.
The same piece stated that United valued Brazilian winger Antony at just £25 million before eventually signing him for £85 million.
Then United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted Ferguson to help with a charm offensive to convince Bellingham to sign for them
Club scouts had been monitoring the Brazilian during his time at Ajax and felt the fee resembled a player who should be available for less than £30 million.
However, Ten Hag's arrival largely focused on his former side's recruitment efforts, with Antony's name gaining universal approval, while defender Lisandro Martinez also joined from the Dutch team in the same summer.