UNITED MISSED OUT ON HAALAND , THEY CANNOT DO THAT WITH JUDE
MAYBE it is a modern thing or maybe it is hard to remember football’s young superstars of a couple of decades ago being so sure of themselves.
It could be a sweeping generalisation, but there appears to be little room for self-doubt among the game’s best up-and-coming players.
And, on the evidence of Haaland – The Big Decision, not much doubt among parents and agents.
Yep, there was actually a documentary, aired on a Scandinavian streaming service last month, which followed the process of Erling Haaland deciding which of the elite clubs he would join on leaving Borussia Dortmund.
Here’s his dad, Alfe Inge, a few months before his son went to the Etihad, explaining their thought processes.
“On our list, I think (Manchester) City is the best team. (Bayern) Munich is number two, we have Real Madrid as number three, Paris Saint-Germain as number four.
“We also have some English teams other than City who are quite good… Liverpool and Chelsea. Also, Barcelona. They are in the same row.”
Nice to have options but the truth is ANY club in the world would have taken Haaland, if offered – and he and his father knew it.
The same will apply to Jude
Bellingham (with Haaland, below) next summer if he also decides the time is right to leave Dortmund (which might not be a given, despite what most seem to think).
His dad could compile the sort of list Alfe Inge got together, but maybe he might add another name, because the notable absentee from the impressive Haaland roster was Manchester United.
It is unthinkable that United would let that happen again.
First things first, Erik ten Hag must ensure United are playing Champions League football next season.
Without it, United would not be an option for Bellingham.
As a 17-year-old, Bellingham turned down the chance to move to Old Trafford – despite having a tour of the place – so the historical stature of the club clearly has no special pull for him.
But he will be aware of what it would mean for a player to be instrumental in a proper United resurgence.
Ten Hag will have to do his part, which is no easy task.
If he does qualify for the Champions League, it would then be left to the executives to do theirs.
If Bellingham does become available next summer, the stakes will be high.
As with Haaland, there is not a single one of the European powerhouses who would have to think twice about signing the midfielder.
Make no mistake, he is – as Declan Rice said after the 19-year-old’s performance against the Germans at Wembley – the future of English football.
It is clear he is a captain-elect for his country, it goes without saying he is just the sort of player United should be signing.
And one thing is for certain.
If Bellingham and his dad do, indeed, come up with a list of possible destinations, United certainly cannot let themselves be absent again.