Liverpool legend Steve McManaman has claimed Manchester United ‘need’ a midfielder like Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham more than rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

The 18-year-old was expected to sign for United and was even given a tour of the club’s Carrington training complex by Red devils legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson while at previous club Birmingham City, but ended up joining Borussia Dortmund in 2020.

Two years on, the club have been linked with a move for the Englishman, who has been impressive since making the move to Germany.

Former Reds midfielder McManaman feels the Red Devils need Bellingham more than rivals Liverpool and Manchester City who are both interested in the player.

“He’s got all the attributes to be a superstar,” the former Liverpool and City winger told Horseracing.net of Bellingham.

“When you look through the teams and the sides that could buy him – Manchester United would need that type of player as a central midfielder. Manchester City, with Rodri, Ilkay Gündogan, Bernardo Silva, not so much.

“Liverpool have got Jordan Henderson, Thiago, Fabinho. Of course it would be a great signing, he’s a great player, but whether Liverpool need him now is another thing.

“Henderson is moving towards the end of his career. James Milner also. So Liverpool could always take another centre midfielder but it’s very congested in there.

“Georginio Wijnaldum left the club in the summer and people said they needed to replace him but they didn’t. But whether people move on and Jürgen brings Jude in is another thing.

“City could accommodate him but they’ve got a plethora of great players in there and he mightn’t play.

“I think United need a centre midfielder of that ilk. Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata are coming to the end of their careers and Paul Pogba may leave.

“So if there’s one team that needs a player like Jude Bellingham, it’s Manchester United.”