Manchester United have known Jude Bellingham's talent for some time.
Back when he was still just a 16-year-old making such an impact at Birmingham City that his No.22 jersey would be retired upon his eventual departure, United were in the chase to be the lucky side to secure his prized signature. In March 2020, Bellingham was given a tour of Carrington as they met with the player and his parents to try and convince him to choose Old Trafford ahead of his inevitable transfer.
Yet, the teenager opted to move to Borussia Dortmund instead. Bellingham wanted guaranteed first-team minutes and the Bundesliga club could offer them while pointing at the success of fellow England prodigy Jadon Sancho as proof his talents wouldn't be squandered in Germany.
