Manchester United have long been suitors of Ex-Tottenham turned Madridista Gareth Bale. Ever since his at the time world record move to Real Madrid, there have been rumors that United would one day come back for the winger that escaped them in England.
And with Gareth Bale’s continuing injury problems, reports of out of Spain suggest that Real Madrid have allowed the Welshman to agree to pre-contract terms with Manchester United.
If the reports are to be trusted, that means that the 28-year old could join United at season’s end. However, it could be too late for United.
Bale is a fantastic player. He’s world-class when fit — and there lies the problem. He’s unable to manage his fitness. In 4 seasons at Madrid, his injury list and games missed tallies are staggering.
His lack of consistent game time has led to Real’s president, Florentino Perez, to cut his losses with the wide man. The report suggests that he would be willing to let Bale through the exit for €90m. Perez is a great businessman, and he wants as much money back as possible.
However, Mourinho understands that €90m is far too much for an oft-injured, unreliable player. The rumors states that United are willing to splash €60m on the player.
Should United even be pursuing Bale?
Obviously a team like United is always looking to add to its arsenal. Bale has been a long-time target of Ed Woodward and the club. But the ship may have sailed.
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He isn’t the player that he was at Tottenham or his first season at Real. It’s an unfortunate reality. No one can forget Bale’s amazing goal against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. His pace, passing, and shooting quickly made him one of the world’s best.
But he isn’t that player anymore.
Manchester United are nearing the end of a massive rebuild. They have invested millions in young, high potential players. Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, and Paul Pogba now spearhead the Red Devil attack.
None of these players are better than Bale at his peak, but that peak is so rarely seen anymore. Manchester United should have made this move happen 3-4 seasons ago.
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It’s too late now. An aging, injury-prone winger isn’t what United need to reach the next level. Bale has missed 37 games alone this year. Let him be Madrid’s problem while United continue the climb back to the top.