SIR ALEX FERGUSON and Manchester United’s football director were involved in a ‘feud’ that came to a head over Jude Bellingham botched tour of Carrington, it’s claimed.
The England international toured Manchester United‘s training ground in 2020 ahead of a potential transfer.
Sir Alex Ferguson was left ‘incandescent’ after John Murtough’s reported slightGetty – Contributor
APThe incident is believed to have happened during Jude Bellingham’s tour of Carrington[/caption]
John Murtough, right, wanted Ferguson to have a reduced role at the tourGetty
Bellingham, 20, was still at Birmingham City and was one of the most wanted youngsters in European football.
But before he opted to move to Borussia Dortmund in Germany he visited United.
The Athletic claims that manager at the time Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his assistants wanted Ferguson to finish off the “analytical presentation and detailed personal report” for Bellingham.
This would outline how the midfielder would progress at the club and show him his pathway to the first team.
Solskjaer believed that meeting Ferguson would help convince Bellingham to swap St Andrews for Old Trafford.
It is then suggested that football director John Murtough disagreed with this and had his own view on how the pitch should go.
Murtough insisted that the club’s legendary manager could only meet and shake hands with the player.
Murtough then took the youngster and his parents on a tour of the training ground.
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The report continues to suggest that the interaction left Ferguson “incandescent”.
The Scotsman felt that the move was a “slight” to him and said to Murtough’s face at a later date.
Manchester United declined to comment when approached by SunSport.
Bellingham went on to move to Dortmund for £20million in July 2020 and has since gone on to become one of the top talents in world football.
Bellingham sealed a £115m transfer to Real Madrid this summer and instantly became a key player for the Spanish giants.
The Athletic has also claimed that there is little to no trust between Ferguson and Murtough due to David Moyes‘ sacking after just nine months.
Moyes was Ferguson’s pick to replace him after he retired, but now West Ham boss was axed before completing a single season.
Murtough is expected to leave the club when Sir Jim Ratcliffe finally seals his partial buy-out of the club.
He was given the job as football director after Ed Woodward left the position in March 2021.
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