5 Reasons why Manchester United should not sign Gareth Bale

Manchester United are preparing for a busy summer ahead. With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed as the permanent manager, the Red Devils will be looking forward to strengthening the team before the start of the new season. The Norwegian will need the right reinforcements to help him mount a title challenge and challenge the best in Europe as well.

Among the most important names in Solskjaer's wish list will be a right winger, something that has been missing from the team from the last few seasons. One of the many players currently rumoured to be under United's radar for that position is Gareth Bale of Real Madrid.

The Welshman joined the LaLiga giants in the summer of 2013 from Tottenham Hotspur and quickly became one of the most feared attackers in the league. Understandably, Bale became a wanted man and top clubs of Europe were vying for his signature at one point of time.

However, at the moment, Gareth Bale is not the ideal player for Manchester United and the club should steer clear of him. Why? Read on to find out.

---

#5 Work Ethics

Wales v Slovakia - UEFA EURO 2020 Qualifier

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer likes his team to be dynamic on the field. He expects his men to press around the park and does not depend on just one set of players doing the defending alone.

While tactics are not as negative as Mourinho, the Norwegian still expects all his players to play some part in retrieving the ball and intercepting the opposition passes. Even the attacking players are expected to press and win possession higher up on the field. This is one attribute that does not suit Bale.

While the Welshman's defensive contribution will hardly interest Solskjaer, it is Bale's work ethics without the ball that will not appeal to the Norwegian.

Unlike Mourinho, Solskjaer does not expect his wide men to track back every time the opposition drives forward. However, the work ethics that the Norwegian demands from his wingers might not be present in the Welshman.

#4 Injury History

Real Madrid CF v Sporting Clube de Portugal - UEFA Champions League

Since moving to Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, Gareth Bale has missed approximately 91 games in 6 seasons through injury. That is almost 15 games a season on an average!

This season alone, Bale has been sidelined for approximately 49 days and has missed 9 games for Real Madrid. Last season, he was out for almost 68 days and missed around 14 games due to injury.

The Welshman has a troublesome ankle and it has hurt his chances over the years. He missed almost 3 months in the 2016/17 season due to his ankle. This year too, Bale picked up ankle injuries twice, in December and as recent as March.

His calf injury is another recurring problem and has haunted him throughout his career. In the 2015/16 season, the Welshman disrupted his calf muscle and was sidelined for 45 days. This season too, Bale was out for almost 21 days in January due to a calf injury.

Can Solskjaer afford to have such an injury prone player in his squad as he prepares to battle for every trophy next season?

#3 Age

Wales v Slovakia - UEFA EURO 2020 Qualifier

Gareth Bale turns 30 in July this year, which means if United do go for him, they will be getting a player entering the flag end of his career.

The Welshman is still a fantastic player, but investing in a 30-year-old when there are so many promising youngsters around does not seem logical. Concluding that the player is past his prime might not be an overstatement.

Even if Bale does turn his season around and also manages to flourish at United, it can be argued that he probably has just two more seasons in him before his age catches up with him. For a player who relies on speed, things could suddenly take a wrong turn in the next few years. Without his pace, Bale might not be as effective as United want him to be.

Solskjaer would be better advised to invest in someone younger, who can be moulded into the United style of play and would also be a long term solution.

#2 Price of Transfer

Gareth Bale Officially Unveiled At Real Madrid

Gareth Bale was once the costliest player in the world. Even though he is no longer the player that he once was, the Welshman would not be cheap.

According to reports, his current market value is £63 million, but Real Madrid have the negotiating power to ask for significantly more, especially since the player is under contract until June 2021. Considering the various uncertainties associated with the player, it is too high a price to pay.

Another factor that would deter Manchester United is the salary that the Welshman will demand. He apparently earns around £350,000 per week at the Bernabeu right now.

Bale will demand a salary in the range of Alexis Sanchez if United were to acquire his services. Considering how the Chilean's wages have become a thorn in United's foot, the club should be wary of a similar situation arising in the near future.

Bale's transfer fee and estimated wages should be one of the reasons why United should not go for the Welshman this summer.

#1 Current Form

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid - Copa del Rey Semi Final

When Ronaldo left the Bernabeu before the start of this season, everyone knew Real Madrid would struggle. To replace such an iconic figure was next to impossible. The stage was set for a man to step up, take over the mantle and become a legend. For Gareth Bale, it was finally time to walk out of the Portuguese's shadow.

The Welshman had a chance to finally get his due, but unfortunately, Bale failed to grab the opportunity. His injuries have hurt him again, but even when fit, he has been neither impressive nor inspirational for his club.

Bale has scored just 14 goals and registered 4 assists from 35 games in all competitions. He has largely been ineffective for Real Madrid and it might be too optimistic to assume that he would regain his form next season.

The Welshman's recent lack of form should be the main reason why Manchester United should steer clear of this transfer. There are quite a few players around who would be a better option than Gareth Bale.