How Man Utd would line up with Jude Bellingham

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 13 Apr 2023 10:23 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is ready to launch an ambitious bid for Jude Bellingham this summer, with Sport1 reporting that the Dutchman "urgently" wants to land the England international.

It's pointed out that a deal will be complex, though. Indeed, the Red Devils are seen as "outsiders" to land the 19-year-old wonderkid, with Real Madrid and Manchester City leading the way after Liverpool previously dropped out of the running, baulking at Borussia Dortmund's asking price for the teenager.

In part, this is because of the confused nature of the club's ongoing takeover talks, in which a third round of bidding is now due to start.

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The possibility that Bellingham, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €100m, goes to Old Trafford is, nevertheless, a live one, particularly as Man Utd look good to land a Champions League spot for next season.

So if Bellingham does move to Old Trafford, how is Ten Hag likely to set up his side?

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Man Utd starting XI with Jude Bellingham

For the moment, let’s assume that David de Gea remains at the club. If Bellingham signs for a huge fee, that certainly lessens the scope for the goalkeeper to depart on a free transfer at the end of his contract as United will not also want to be seeking a shot-stopper over the summer.

The defence, meanwhile, is likely to line up in an unchanged fashion as things stand. Diogo Dalot has Ten Hag’s confidence at right-back, despite links with Denzel Dumfries and others, while in the centre Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are doing a solid job. Luke Shaw is unmoving on the left.

Bellingham will, of course, step into midfield, where he will feature alongside Casemiro. His arrival will rule out any prospect of United landing Frenkie de Jong for the moment and will see Christian Eriksen edged out.

A trio of attacking midfielders will be deployed, with Antony and Jadon Sancho fighting to play on the right, Bruno Fernandes central and Marcus Rashford on the left.

The million-dollar question remains: who plays in attack? Wout Weghorst’s loan will not be extended, Rashford’s future appears to be on the wing while Anthony Martial struggles to keep himself fit. For the moment, this team will be spearheaded by the France international, yet another alternative is likely, with Victor Osimhen, Harry Kane and Randal Kolo Muani all linked.