Manchester United have been a side that has underperformed badly in recent years, struggling to achieve any of the success enjoyed by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson during the time he was in charge.
The Scot took the club to new heights, making them one of the most successful teams in world football, often a force to be reckoned with – leading to their varying levels of success.
However, since his retirement over ten years ago, the Red Devils have been unable to add to their tally Premier League success, with Reuben Amorim the next man in charge of ending their drought.
He is yet to completely transform his fortunes on the pitch, but signs of his philosophy which saw the Red Devils beat Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend have begun to emerge.
If they are to reach the next level under his leadership, this transfer window could be crucial as they look to take a step forward and reverse an early season slump under the former management team.
Man Utd have a concrete interest in the Championship star
According to TEAMtalk, United ‘officially registered their interest‘ in Sunderland starlet Job Bellingham as a potential option to bolster Amorim’s midfield options, with a potential move this month.
However, they are not the only Premier League side to be credited with an interest in the 19-year-old, with Crystal Palace also holding a ‘concrete interest’ in the youngster, according to the report.
Jobe, younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude, impressed for the Black Cats during the 2024/25 season, scoring four goals and registering three assists because they want to ensure a return to the first league.
The report states that the hierarchy have targeted some of the best young talent in England to give the new boss the tools for immediate and long-term success at Old Trafford.
Bellingham – which was valued at around £20 million – would certainly provide just that, having the star quality to form a phenomenal partnership with another English child prodigy at the heart of the side.
Why Bellingham would star alongside Mainoo for United
Kobbie Mainoo is the latest Red Devils star to come through the club’s academy before making a name for himself in the first team, progressing beyond imagination over the past 12 months.
He made his first top-flight start against Everton back in November 2023, before working his way into a regular starter – earning a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
However, the 19-year-old recently suffered his first outing as a professional, struggling to maintain his results of late, and the clash against Southampton is proof of that, as he was replaced at half time.
It’s understandable that he’s suffered a bit of a slump over the past few months, especially considering how quickly he burst onto the scene, with fans having to be patient to see the best of the academy graduate again.
There’s no denying he’s a superstar talent, with bags of potential for further improvement — something that could happen if the club makes a move for Bellingham Jr. in the coming weeks.
The Sunderland star, dubbed “a freak of nature” teammate Dan Neil, excelled in possession, averaging 4.8 progressive passes and one successful takeover every 90 – with Mainoo able to sit deeper and allow Bellingham to dictate play.
|
Jobe Bellingham’s stats for Sunderland in the Championship (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (at 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
23 |
|
Goals and assists |
7 |
|
Adding accuracy |
85% |
|
Progressive additions |
4.8 |
|
Successful downloads |
1 |
|
Tackles won |
2.3 |
|
Airports won |
2.1 |
|
Spaces made |
2.5 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
|
However, the former Birmingham City player has also been impressive in defence, winning an average of 2.3 fights and 2.1 balls 90 each, making him a perfect buffer option alongside the academy graduate – a partnership that could easily last for the next decade.
It is crucial that the hierarchy get the right recruit in the coming windows after such reckless moves in previous years where millions of pounds have been spent on talent that is not at the level required by the English Premier League.
However, Bellingham would be a real caliber of talent, with a move to the Premier League as the next step for him after his successful spell at the Stadium of Light, he also has the chance to develop and follow in his brother’s footsteps in becoming Europe’s leading star.
