Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit for Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale and have made the Welshman their primary summer transfer target. However, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane’s departure from the Spanish capital has shortened the odds of the 28-year-old leaving the Bernabeu.
The Red Devils have also targeted Chelsea winger Willian in their bid to enhance their quality in wide areas. But it is being reported that Barcelona are also interested in the Brazilian.
Looking at this situation from Jose Mourinho‘s perspective, it will make more sense if he signs Bale rather than Willian. The simple reason being the former has more experience of high-level international football and of course, is a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid.
Let us take a deep look at the £350,000-a-week star and conclude why he can be a difference-maker at Old Trafford:
Bale is one of those unique wingers who is comfortable playing in any position across the frontline. The Welshman can dribble past defenders, has a good turn of pace and is devilish with his finishing in front of goal. He had a dribble rate of 1.2 per game in the league and netted 16 goals in 26 appearances (6 from the bench), something that would even make a striker proud.
The 28-year-old possesses the propensity to receive a pass on the half-turn in between the lines to open up space for a shot or a through ball, epitomising his perfect balance to take the ball with a tilted body position. He bestowed 41 key passes in 26 appearances and fabricated 37 goal-scoring opportunities.
Furthermore, Bale has the ability to strike the ball from distance and also deliver deadly crosses into the box. Overall, he is an all-around player who can make the difference wherever he goes. His injury record is a little mystifying at times but if fit, he can tear any defence apart single-handedly.
Manchester United need someone of the highest quality in their forward line, primarily on the right-wing. Gareth Bale will be perfect for them in terms of doing almost everything and also producing moments of magic when things become monotonous.
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He is a kind of player who can take the Red Devils to their 20th league title and bring back the glory days at Old Trafford. For the Welshman too, it will be an opportunity to take the limelight and perform regularly in a country where he began attracting prominence.