Gary Neville praises Jude Bellingham for REJECTING Man United move as he casts doubt on whether the England superstar would have been a success at Old Trafford because of the club's 'culture'

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Gary Neville praised Jude Bellingham for making the decision to join Borussia Dortmund over Manchester United prior to him moving to Real Madrid last summer.

The England midfielder was the subject of intense negotiations when he decided to leave his boyhood Birmingham team and join Dortmund in 2020, with United missing out.

Bellingham previously toured United’s Carrington training complex and met with the club’s legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson as they tried to lure him to the club before the midfielder eventually decided to move to Germany.

Neville previously went on to forge a hugely successful career at Old Trafford after coming through the club’s academy set-up but now questions advice he has given to other players that United have been interested in.

United manager Erik ten Hag has struggled to find a solid midfield during the club’s struggles this season, meanwhile Bellingham has starred in the Madrid capital.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham previously rejected the chance to join Man United

Bellingham has starred since joining Madrid in the summer after leaving Borussia Dortmund

The 20-year-old is beginning to cement his status as one of the best player’s in the world in the lead up to the European Championships in the summer, and Neville fears he may not have exceeded as much at United if he had previously moved to Old Trafford.

‘I have spoken to players before they come here saying you’ll never regret it, it’s a magic football club, looking back that’s pretty poor advice,’ Neville told Sky Sports.

‘Other players who have chose other clubs have gone on to be really successful. You think of Jude Bellingham, he walks into boardroom here, Man United have agreed a fee with Birmingham and so have Dortmund and he has a choice between them and somehow, well done to him, he chose Dortmund and is now one of the greatest players in the world and greatest English talents.

‘What would have happened if he came here? I don’t know, maybe he would be a success but I’m not so sure because of the culture,’ he said.

Bellingham previously turned down Man United when at Birmingham in favour of joining Dortmund

Gary Neville questioned whether Bellingham would have succeeded at Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in United is expected to bring a culture change with it as the British billionaire’s INEOS team prepare to take control of all sporting operations.

Recruitment has been a big issue for United since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement with a lack of structure and on-pitch struggles making it difficult for them to attract some targets.

Former captain Roy Keane admits his mind has been changed on his previous belief that young players should join United if given the chance to do so.

‘I’ve said for years if you’re a player and have a chance to sign for man united then go for it. My mind has changed over the last couple of years,’ he added.