Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shared insights into Manchester United‘s failed bid for Jude Bellingham, shedding light on the club’s pursuit of the talented midfielder.
Bellingham’s rise in football was evident during his time at Birmingham City, where he made a significant impact in the Championship at just 16 years old, catching the attention of top clubs across Europe.
Manchester United was among the clubs vying for his signature, with Solskjaer eager to add Bellingham to his squad. The midfielder even visited Carrington with his family to meet with club officials as he deliberated over his next career move.
Ultimately, Bellingham opted to join Borussia Dortmund, a decision that Solskjaer respects but also laments as a missed opportunity to secure a player of Bellingham’s caliber for United.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Solskjaer said:
“He knew what he wanted.
“Jude, he was in the building. You can’t ask a lot more for a midfielder.
“I was there obviously as the manager, Sir Alex was there. Roy should have been there but you weren’t, Bryan Robson was there and Cantona was there that day when he came to the club.
“We all spoke to him. Of course, we sold it to him as well as we could but he knew what he wanted.
“X amount of minutes in the first team. That’s it. The most mature 17-year-old I’ve ever met in my life.”
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