After single-handedly winning the UEFA Champions League for Real Madrid, Gareth Bale told the world that he’d be considering his options this summer. This statement gave Manchester United fans worldwide hope and belief that the Welshman’s only realistic destination is Old Trafford. For Bale the move makes sense, for Manchester United, it makes even more sense.
Here are five reasons why Manchester United must sign Gareth Bale.
Suits José Mourinho’s philosophy
José Mourinho is a man that demands a high defensive work rate from of all his players, including his forwards. Gareth Bale, who started life as a left-back, knows exactly what it means to track back and help his defenders. Down the flanks, he will be a phenomenal force going forward and a great help in the defensive phase of the game, just how José Mourinho likes it.
Anthony Martial could be leaving
Gareth Bale is perfect for José Mourinho because he tracks back, a trait Anthony Martial has never quite seemed to grasp the concept of. Because of that break down in communication, Martial’s agent has stated the Frenchman wants to leave the club this summer.
With that announcement, a number of top clubs around Europe including Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Arsenal made their interest known. To be fair to the 22-year-old, he only started 18 league games last season, a total that doesn’t match up to his talent. Bale would be a perfect replacement for Anthony Martial in more ways than one.
Versatile Forward
Many look at Gareth Bale and see him as just a winger that cuts in from the right and shoots. No no no, the Welshman is much more than that. The 28-year-old has the ability to play in any one of the forward positions, including the creative force behind the striker.
This means Bale wouldn’t be getting in the way of Alexis Sánchez or Marcus Rashford, leaving room for everyone to flourish in. He is also a team player, meaning he’s more than happy to swap positions throughout a match.
Helps Romelu Lukaku
In addition to his unrivalled pace, power and skill, Bale is a lethal goal scorer. The Welshman has shown time and time again at the Bernabéu that he’s the man for the big occasion. In 126 Real Madrid appearances, he has scored an astonishing 70 goals.
If he can bring that clinical form to Old Trafford, he would help the struggling Romelu Lukaku. The 25-year-old is the focal point of United’s current attack and has had little to no help from his supporting wingers, Gareth Bale would change all of that.
Superstar in his prime
Gareth Bale is a footballing superstar in the prime of his career. Not only is he playing his best football now, but he’s also as marketable as he’s ever been. Manchester United have always been about buying the biggest players and turning them into even bigger stars. They showed that with the signings of Alexis Sánchez, Zlatan Ibrahimović & Romelu Lukaku last summer. A blockbuster signing of Gareth Bale this summer would once again establish United’s status as the biggest club in world football.