Despite a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend, Manchester United fans are as optimistic as they have been for a long time, with Louis van Gaal having seen his side all but confirm their place in the top four in recent weeks.
Whilst their run of six consecutive Premier League victories was brought to an end by Jose Mourinho’s champions elect, supporters seem to have found their voices once again, and many are predicting a serious title challenge for next season.
The summer transfer window looks set to be another busy one for all connected with United, with their seemingly unlimited budget making them a threat to the biggest clubs in Europe – even Real Madrid.
Gareth Bale has been linked with a return to the Premier League and Old Trafford on several occasions this season. Here we have identified five reasons as to why he would be the ideal signing for Manchester United.
[ffc-gallery]
Click on Gareth Bale to reveal five reasons why Manchester United should sign him
[/ffc-gallery]
Di Maria hasn’t worked out
Manchester United fans had hoped Angel Di Maria would make a similar sort of impact on the Premier League to the one Bale did during his time at Tottenham.
Unfortunately, things have not quite happened for the Argentine who cost a massive £59.6million.
Reports have continued to link him with a return to Spain, and if this is to happen United will be forced to enter the market for a replacement – and there are few players better suited for that than Bale.
The goal threat is not what it once was
Bale was managing more than 20 goals a season during his final two years in England, whilst Manchester United no longer have the goal threat they once did from their strikers.
Falcao has flopped, van Persie has struggled to stay fit, and Rooney has often been used as a midfielder.
There is no doubt Louis van Gaal will be looking to add more goals to his side next term, and Bale has proven already he is capable of providing plenty in English football.
Ashley Young is still not reliable
Make no mistake, Ashley Young has enjoyed an excellent season at United – especially in the past couple of months.
But has the England man done enough to establish himself as the first choice winger for the seasons to come at Old Trafford, and more importantly can he be trusted?
Let us not forget that Young had been dreadful for the two seasons prior to this one, and there is no guarantee his form won’t dip once again.
He has done enough to stay at United, but Bale remains in a different league and would surely take his first team spot were he to sign.
There may not be a better time to get it done!
Bale might only have been in Spain for less than two years, but now may be the best possible time to force a deal over the line.
Often this season, the Wales international has found himself the target of frustrated Real Madrid fans, and he has often walked off the pitch to a chorus of boos.
Still a relatively young player, he may well have a desire to return to a league where he knows he will be loved and respected, meaning he may well find an offer difficult to turn down should United submit one in the summer.
Otherwise Chelsea or City might!
United are one of just three clubs in the country who could possibly afford Bale in the summer, with Manchester City and Chelsea being the obvious other two.
A criticism of the Red Devils last summer was that they took too long to get their business done (remember the Arturo Vidal saga) and any hesitation this time around will see their two main domestic rivals for the title next term swoop in.
The Premier League surely won’t be as one-sided next season as it has been this term, although whoever of the three manages to tempt Bale in the summer may well have the right to call themselves favourites for the title.
