Man Utd keen to bring ‘powerful’ star back to EPL, but it would be a mistake – (Opinion) | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly hellbent on signing Borussia Dortmund struggler Jobe Bellingham, in a move they should rather avoid.

Like his older and more famous sibling, Jude, the 20-year-old rose through the ranks of Birmingham City. The ‘powerful’ midfielder then signed for Sunderland and managed to cement himself as a protagonist for the club, helping them claw their way back to the Premier League.

The youngster’s exploits at the Stadium of Light earned him a €30.5 million move to Dortmund last summer. However, he has been struggling for playing time under Nico Kovac this season.

Therefore, Man United are said to be interested in Bellingham’s services, offering him the opportunity to return to the Premier League as early as January.

Jobe Bellingham lands on Man United shortlist

This rumour has also been discussed by Bild. The famous German portal insisted that BVB won’t give up on the promising Englishman this rapidly after vigorously pursuing him for months, but admitted that the player must start earning more minutes to avoid an unpleasant situation.

But even if the Bundesliga giants were to open up for a swift break-up, Man Utd must be careful on this ground, as the younger Bellingham might not necessarily be the answer to their midfield conundrum, and for two main reasons.

First, it should be noted that the Birmingham academy product, like his brother Jude, thrives as an attacking midfielder, a role that is particularly well-covered at United.

INEOS invested heavily in this department last summer, signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. They have also found a revitalised Mason Mount, who has won Ruben Amorim’s favour, not to mention club captain, Bruno Fernandes, who is originally a number 10, in addition to Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo.

On the other hand, United are in dire need of central midfielders, especially an enforcer who can break up the play. But while Bellingham can play in a deeper role, he wouldn’t necessarily excel in in.

As for the No.8 slot, perhaps he should ask his countryman, Kobbie Mainoo, how vying for a spot against Fernandes has panned out for him.

Why this move wouldn’t work for Man Utd & Bellingham

(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Second, Old Trafford has sadly become a graveyard for once-promising talent. Even the ones who were brimming with confidence upon their arrivals failed to cope with the immeasurable pressure that is synonymous with the club. Jadon Sancho and Antony are prime examples of this curious phenomenon.

Hence, one could only imagine how Bellingham, with his already-wounded confidence after failing to follow in his brother’s footsteps at Signal Iduna Park, would fare in Carrington.

At this stage, the England U21 must be encouraged to remain in Dortmund, dig deeper, and make sure he doesn’t return to the English shores with his tail between his legs.