By Dave Marshall
Jose Mourinho’s mind games came back to haunt him after Manchester United lost 2-1 to Real Madrid, a score-line that was flattering to us as Real completely dominated the first 60 minutes and before we could react, it was too late. The build up to the European Super Cup had been about the future of Gareth Bale with Mourinho insisting that if the Welshman didn’t start the clash in Skopje, we would make a move for him.
Real boss, Zinedine Zidane refused to be drawn in the speculation, and promptly started Bale, as Ronaldo wasn’t match fit after reporting for training only this week. Bale created one and hit the bar in what was a good outing for the Wales international, who is looking to build. In what was a difficult season last term, after a spate of injuries.
Goals from Isco and Casemiro ensured that Real won a consecutive European Super Cup, becoming the first team since AC Milan to do it, as the Italian giants won the Cup in 1989 and 1990. Jose Mourinho continues his search for a first European Super Cup win, with this latest loss, makes it three without success.
Speaking in the post match press conference, Mourinho confirmed that the club have ended our pursuit of Bale. He told BT Sport, “Clearly the club wants him, the manager wants him and he wants the club, so for me it’s game over – even before it started,” Mourinho told BT Sport. “It’s game over clearly because everybody knows he is going to stay.” he added.
Mourinho has been active in the summer bringing in the likes of Lukaku, Matic and Lindelof with all three starting the clash, but United lack the x-factor player to turn us into competitors, something Bale will have addressed.
Bale is a classy forward who played for Tottenham prior to his move to the Santiago Bernabeu back in 2013. He is a left footed player that can play on both the left and right of attacking midfielder known for his dribbling, blinding pace and excellent finishing. He joined for a then world record £86m in 2013, and has since scored 67 goals in 151 matches for the Spanish giants, winning a league title, three champions League titles, a Copa del Rey and some other cups.