Jude Bellingham was he offside? Probably. It was impossible to tell from high up in Houston’s enormous NRG Stadium. Although TV replays seemed to indicate he was, the match was too close for the American match officials to say for sure. No argument, no VAR.
It was Bellingham’s first goal since moving to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for £115 million last month, and what a goal it was.
The 20-year-old England midfielder intercepted Antonio Rudiger’s pass with a single touch on the edge of the box, and as Andre Onana stepped out to the edge of his own box for Manchester United, he deftly lifted the ball over him.
Bellingham said after Real Madrid defeated Erik ten Hag’s team 2-0 in Texas: “I haven’t seen it back yet.”
It did feel like I arrived a little early. You must play by the whistle these days because you never know. I noticed the linesman’s flag was still down as I was running over, so I just continued the celebration.
On Friday afternoon, Jude Bellingham scored a goal against Manchester United.
Bellingham wheeled away in celebration of his first goal after spending £115 million to join Real Madrid.
“If it’s offside, that’s fine; it’s still a goal,” was the adage. When Bellingham visited United’s Carrington training facility as a teen in 2020, Real Madrid was confident in signing him, and Bellingham looked every inch the Real Madrid player against the club. In a team with so many talented stars, he made some exquisite plays.
I like to think that I appear to be having fun. He continued, “So far, so good.” I like being a part of this team and learning from all the great players. I’m not getting carried away just yet, I assure you. This season will be filled with significant obstacles.
There are many goals to pursue, and rightfully so. The best players are at the biggest club. As should be the case, there are high expectations. It is up to us to go out there and do the same.
I was at ease coming here because I was aware of the calibre of the players. I am aware of the qualities I can contribute and believe I fit in. I enjoy the part I’m playing. I played well both yesterday and against AC Milan. Going into the season, I want to maintain the rhythm.
Language has unavoidably been a barrier, but Bellingham is making a lot of effort to learn Spanish. It’s difficult, he acknowledged. “I’m attempting. I’m slowly improving, and the team has a lot of excellent teachers. I hope that happens.”
For the former Birmingham City player, the evening in Houston wasn’t entirely enjoyable. Towards the end of the first half, he got into a shoving match with Lisandro Martinez; when United’s aggressive defender scythed him down, Mason Mount intervened to push his England teammate out of harm’s way.
Bellingham claims he’s looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and that he’s enjoying life in Spain.
When Martinez approached Bellingham to make amends after the Argentina defender was also replaced just after the hour mark, Bellingham revealed that he had been furious about the incident up until that point. Bellingham was taken off at halftime.
He said, “The little fight with Martinez is one of those things.” He is an excellent player. I entered at halftime and was effing around. But when he finally left, he came over to wish me luck, and I really appreciated it.
I am aware that what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. At the conclusion of the game, I ran into him and wished him luck. When two athletes can come together and treat one another with respect after a game while still striving to win for their teams, I can respect that.
He is a superb player and a fierce competitor. He desires victory just like I do. It sometimes overflows. That’s how the game works. I really do respect others. That moment can happen after the game.