Jude Bellingham has earned plaudits from Gary Neville for choosing to join Borussia Dortmund over Manchester United when he was at Birmingham City.
Before Bellingham ultimately made the decision to transfer to Germany, the midfielder visited United’s Carrington training facility and had a meeting with the team’s legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manchester United’s new expensive signings have failed to make an impact at the club under manager Erik ten Hag and Neville feels the same thing would have happened to Bellingham if he had decided move to Old Trafford.
Bellingham is currently shining at Real Madrid, having scored 13 goals in 17 league matches for them.
‘I have spoken to players before they come here saying you’ll never regret it, it’s a magic football club, looking back that’s pretty poor advice,’ Neville told Sky Sports.
“Looking back it looks like poor advice”
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‘Other players who have chose other clubs have gone on to be really successful. You think of Jude Bellingham, he walks into boardroom here, Man United have agreed a fee with Birmingham and so have Dortmund and he has a choice between them and somehow, well done to him, he chose Dortmund and is now one of the greatest players in the world and greatest English talents.
‘What would have happened if he came here? I don’t know, maybe he would be a success but I’m not so sure because of the culture,’ he said.
Former captain Roy Keane says he has altered his opinion about his earlier belief that young players need to sign with United if they are offered the opportunity.
‘I’ve said for years if you’re a player and have a chance to sign for man united then go for it. My mind has changed over the last couple of years,’ he added.
Footage courtesy of Sky Sports
