Manchester United’s hopes of landing Gareth Bale have been dashed with reports the Welshman now intends to stay at Real Madrid to work under new manager Julen Lopetegui.

Bale had United on red alert last month following the Champions League final, when he stated in an interview he needed to “really consider” his future at the Bernabeu following a frustrating few seasons.

The Wales international endured a difficult relationship with the club’s former manager Zinedine Zidane, the Frenchman more often than not excluding Bale from Madrid’s starting line-up – including in the Champions League final when he came off the bench to score twice.

United and Chelsea were amongst the favourites to land Bale should he leave Spain this summer, however it appears the 28-year-old is now intent to stay with Madrid subsequent to appointment of Lopetegui.

According to ESPN, Bale is keen to prove himself to Lopetegui and his preferred option is to stay at the Bernabeu and fight for his place.

Lopetegui was named as the Zinedine Zidane’s successor on Tuesday and was then sacked by Spain on the Wednesday, only two days prior to their opening World Cup match versus rivals Portugal.

Speaking of his sacking only days prior to the tournament in Russia, Lopetegui believes Spain made a mistake in letting him go.

He said: “We’re completely convinced what we have done is honest and clear. I would change the reaction from Rubiales.

“He congratulated me, was cordial and the after that, I don’t know.

“I would have liked Rubiales to have done things in a different way.

“Yesterday was the saddest day of my life since the death of my mother, but today is the happiest day of my life.”