Inside Man Utd's pitch to Jude Bellingham as Red Devils legend reveals pleas from Sir Alex Ferguson & Eric Cantona to sign midfield superstar

Bellingham, who made his debut for Birmingham at 16 years of age, took the brave decision to step out of his comfort zone when heading to Germany in 2020. He was of the opinion that his development would be best served outside of his homeland.

That big call has been justified, with the 22-year-old now a ‘Galactico’ at Real Madrid with 43 senior England caps to his name. It could have been very different had Bellingham headed to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils still wondering what might have been.

Ex-Red Devils captain Robson told OLBG: "You know, I was disappointed because myself, Sir Alex and Eric Cantona all met Jude when he spoke to United, and so we thought we'd probably get him because of that meeting with the three of us at Carrington.

"I was really disappointed when he went to Germany but the kid's done great. I mean, he's done it at the highest level with Real Madrid and he is a top player.

"I think I'd have him alongside one of the other midfield players [now at United] because I think he can do that role and he has got a bit of the defensive responsibility. I just think with his passing ability that he'd probably bring Bruno [Fernandes] into the game a bit more. We all know that Bruno's best position is just behind the striker."

Bellingham has previously stated that Dortmund were always his first choice once their interest emerged, with there nothing more that United - even with club legends being rolled out - could have done to change his mind.