By Mark Weasley
Towards the end of last season, Gareth Bale looked like a forgotten man at Real Madrid. The Welshman suffered with injuries and in the build up to the Champions League final, looked to have lost his place to Spanish maestro, Isco.
Bale arrived at the Bernabeu as a proper Galactico signing back in 2013 after a sensational season at Tottenham, where he absolutely dominated all league opponents and heralded a new era for Madrid as Barcelona had unveiled Neymar that same summer. He had a glorious first season, scoring in the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals and establishing himself as a true world class talent.
In the years after that, Bale has looked more subdued. A run of consistent injury worries have hampered the player, and he could only start the Champions League final last term from the bench. His scoring record is not bad but, at Real Madrid, the fans are not content with average performances. Nice familiar surroundings will help him, but it is interesting to see how his future will unfold. Alvaro Morata and James Rodriguez have left to club in search of first team football ahead of a vital World Cup year.
The news all around Madrid this summer has been the talk of the La Liga giants signing 18 year old Monaco sensation, Kylian Mbappe. The French striker is the subject of the £161m bid and is expected to start alongside Ronaldo and Benzema, who it has to be said, is a favourite of Real manager, Zidane and club president, Florentino Perez.
Jose Mourinho wants to sign Bale and his signing will invigorate United as the club needs a marquee player to help strike fear into the hearts of opponents. If Bale becomes available, United should ensure we go for his signature. He has achieved all there is to achieve in Spain, and should come back to rediscover the form that made defenders glad to see him leave the country.
Bale will be a great addition as his experience, quality and ability will turn United into a formidable force against any opposition in Europe. The club and player need each other, and who says he can’t lead the club into a glorious era.