Top 10 alternative signings Manchester United could have made

#1 Gareth Bale instead of Ángel Di María

Gareth Bale would've wreaked havoc with Manchester United

Ángel Di María is a very talented player. A quick, skilful winger, comfortable either cutting in or taking players on crossing into the box. Di María was possibly the closest player to Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of style and ability at the time, and they both shone while playing together at Real Madrid.

Di María was sold by Real Madrid, however, during the summer of 2014 to make way for a certain Welshman and United snapped him up. After a disappointing Summer 2013 under Moyes, signings like Di María got the fans excited and seemed to be an indicator of the quality of player United wanted to bring in, and after his first few games, he seemed to justify his transfer.

However as the season progressed, it was clear that English football did not suit Di María. He struggled to find form and did not have the mental temperament or ambition to cope with the demands and physicality of the Premier League.

Di María was eventually labelled a flop and was sold to PSG twelve months later. One disappointing season, and sold at a loss of £15 million for United.

If only there was a left winger available who could shine in the Premier League...

I have been very critical of United's transfer policy and, without question, I feel the biggest mistake was not doing everything in the club's power to sign Gareth Bale.

Bale was easily the best player in the league. In his last few seasons at Tottenham, he'd won nearly every individual accolade there was in England and it was inevitable he would move to a club where he would win silverware on a regular basis.

Manchester United should have seen that a player of Bale's ability and stature would have revolutionised the team. His pace, power, skill, goals, and proven ability in the Premier League would have filled the gap of a world-class talent left by Cristiano Ronaldo four years prior.

Though Bale may still sign for United with a shake-up expected this summer in Madrid, the romanticism following in the footsteps of hero Ryan Giggs (and lots and lots of money) could have persuaded Bale to stay in England and lead Manchester United for the next several years.