Manchester United are set to spend heavily this summer and fresh reports suggest their interest in Gareth Bale has reignited, with the Red Devils eyeing a move for the Welsh wizard this summer to bolster their ranks.
Bale’s season at the Santiago Bernabeu has been plagued by injury and he faces a test to be selected in the starting line-up for this Saturday’s Champions League final in Cardiff, as Spanish ace Isco has performed tremendously in Bale’s absence.
The 27-year-old now faces a battle to secure a long-term future in the Spanish capital and there are suggestions that indicate he could be keen on a return to the Premier League ahead of the World Cup next summer, especially if Real Madrid win the Champions League for the third time in four years this weekend.
For Bale, a return to the Premier League would be crucial for his return to form as he’s struggled to make a lasting impression during his four years in Madrid- but the deal raises significant questions for Manchester United and Jose Mourinho’s plans.
Bale’s injury record is certainly a concern for the Red Devils and it’s nothing new for Bale either, as he’s endured these problems throughout his spell in Spain- with a club doctor even advising Real Madrid not to approve a record transfer in 2013 due to the problems he diagnosed.
Manchester United also aren’t crying out for a top-class wide player either, as they have the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are all more than capable of filling in this area of the pitch.
If United are to spend a huge amount this summer on an attacker, it would make sense for it to be a central striker due to Wayne Rooney’s likely exit this summer and the uncertain future of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who’s set to be unavailable until 2018 through injury.
Significant attacking signings would also raise the expectations significantly for Jose Mourinho as anything less than Premier League success would be deemed to be a failure- and the Red Devils are already facing a battle after finishing sixth this season.
The League Cup and Europa League success have provided Mourinho with some leeway in criticisms towards his side but they won’t remain next season, as the Red Devils are expected to secure Premier League glory next term.