Football

Man Utd legend says Jude Bellingham is ‘perfect’ for improving Red Devils

February 16, 2023 11:00 am
Man Utd legend says Jude Bellingham is ‘perfect’ for improving Red Devils

Jude Bellingham is the “perfect” player for Manchester United, according to club legend Peter Schmeichel.

The former Red Devils goalkeeper’s comments come ahead of the club’s highly-anticipated Europa League knockout clash with Barcelona. Man Utd travel to Spain to take on the Catalan club this evening, with Barcelona then making the trip to Old Trafford next week.

Both teams are going strong in their respective leagues, with Erik ten Hag’s men sitting third in the Premier League and Xavi’s outfit sitting top of La Liga.

The two teams have met 13 times in all competitions, with Barcelona winning six and Man Utd winning three, along with four draws. The first three games between the European heavyweights were in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, with the next 10 taking place in the Champions League. The latest encounter is, however, in the Europa League.

Bellingham ‘perfect’ for Man Utd

One player that was recently on show in the Champions League was Bellingham, who once again impressed in midfield in Borussia Dortmund’s round of 16 tie with Chelsea on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old’s stock continues to rise, with the teenager currently on 10 goals and six assists from his 28 games in all competitions this season. His displays for club and country in recent years have reportedly caught the eye of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City among others.

But given the recent downfall of Jurgen Klopp’s side and indeed the current financial situation involving Pep Guardiola’s men, Schmeichel is quietly confident that the Red Devils can join the race for the midfielder’s signature.

The potential for his signature is, however, dependent on Man Utd’s ability to secure Champions League football next season. The Red Devils seemingly have two options to do just that, either by finishing in the Premier League top four or by winning this season’s Europa League.

Either way, securing a spot in Europe’s elite competition is key if the club want to bring Bellingham to Old Trafford this summer, according to legendary goalkeeper Schmeichel.

“He would be perfect for us,” said Schmeichel, as reported by LiveScore. “But we’re not attractive enough [right now] because we’re not in that position.

“But you can imagine a situation where Liverpool aren’t in the Champions League and Manchester United are, then all of a sudden we might be more attractive.

“And of course with the situation of Man City as well, we might be that club, so it’s very important for us now to keep on track steadily.”

Bellingham

Will Bellingham leave this summer?

The future of Bellingham has been one of the most discussed issues in world football, with the teenager recently shining for England at the 2022 World Cup.

While Dortmund want to keep their star midfielder at all costs, it will be extremely difficult for the German club to fend off interest from Europe’s giants.

Both Man City and Real Madrid look set to be in next season’s Champions League, but Liverpool are preparing to miss out, given that the Reds currently sit ninth in the Premier League.

Klopp’s side may, however, fancy their chances of lifting the Champions League trophy once again, but must first overcome old foes Madrid in the round of 16.

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