‘What would have happened to him?’ – Gary Neville congratulates Jude Bellingham for SNUBBING Man Utd transfer

GARY NEVILLE hit out at Manchester United’s damning decline by CONGRATULATING Jude Bellingham for snubbing them.

The Real Madrid star had the option of moving to Old Trafford in 2020 after lighting up the Championship with Birmingham City.

Gary Neville has praised Jude Bellingham for rejecting Man Utd in 2020

The ace opted for Dortmund and since become a key player at Real MadridGetty

But 20-year-old Bellingham, then 17, bravely opted for a £25million switch to Borussia Dortmund instead.

His stunning performances in Germany secured a £115m move to Real Madrid last summer.

And Bellingham is already a smash hit with the Bernabeu crowd after netting 13 goals in 17 LaLiga games.

He’s become a key player for Gareth Southgate’s England too, racking up 27 caps ahead of the Euros.

But Neville reckons Bellingham may have become the latest in a long line of duds had he joined United over Dortmund.

Erik ten Hag has just one win in six Premier League matches after his side twice blew the lead in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham.

Big-money signings like Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount have all struggled to make a meaningful impact.

While Jadon Sancho, another former Dortmund star, is back in Germany after falling out with Ten Hag at the start of the season.

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Neville believes United is no longer a dream destination for footballers, with the trophy-laden golden years of Sir Alex Ferguson well out of sight.

And he compounded the club’s descent into mediocrity by praising Bellingham’s decision to snub them for the less-glamorous option.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: “I’ve spoken to a couple of players before they’ve come here and said ‘you’ll never regret it, it’s a magic football club’.

“But I have to say looking back, it looks like pretty poor advice with what’s happened to them since they’ve come and it’s really sad.

“They would have thrived at other clubs. Other players who have chosen other clubs have gone on to be really successful.

“You think of Jude Bellingham, and I think of that quite a lot, when he walks into the boardroom here at Man United, United have agreed a fee with Birmingham, and so have Dortmund.

“He has a choice between Dortmund and United. And somehow that kid, well done to him, chose Borussia Dortmund, and he’s now one of the greatest players in the world, one of the greatest English talents.

“What would have happened to him if he’d come here? I don’t know, maybe he would have been a success because he’s that good.

“I’m not so sure in the current environment and culture and what’s been happening.”

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