Jude Bellingham explains why he rejected Manchester United

Borussia Dortmund youngster Jude Bellingham has revealed that the desire to play regular first-team football contributed to the decision to join the German side instead of Manchester United.

The Red Devils were desperate to land the teenager's services earlier this summer and he was given a tour of the club's training facilities prior to the lockdown.

The Birmingham City graduate also met up with Sir Alex Ferguson and Ed Woodward during the visit and it appeared that he could head to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

However, that was not the case. Bellingham made the switch to Dortmund from Birmingham for a fee of around £30m during the summer and he has already turned out nine times for them across all competitions.

In an interview covered by BBC Sport, the 17-year-old has now revealed that amount of playing time influenced him to join Dortmund ahead of the Red Devils, he told:

"There are plenty of young players out there who, if given the chance, would shine at first-team level but they don't quite get the chance for whatever reason. 

"Manchester United have a great squad - and my decision had nothing to do with Man United. Dortmund was the best place for me. After that, you ignore everything else."

Bellingham has netted one goal and registered two assists from nine matches for Dortmund. He played out the entire 90 minutes of the 2-0 league win at Arminia Bielefeld last weekend.