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It is almost seven years to the day since Gareth Bale displayed the first of many fine moments in his career. Harry Redknapp's decision to play the Welshman as a winger resulted into Maicon having probably the worst nightmare of his career.
Gareth Bale absolutely tore the Brazilian apart, who was regarded as one of the best right- backs in the world back then. With insane dribbling speed, Bale scored his first professional career hat-trick, with all three goals coming in similar fashion.
He also impressed in the second leg match at White Hart Lane, assisting two goals in a 3-1 win. Tottenham had surprisingly defeated the defending champions, as the world witnessed the birth of a new superstar.
The rise and rise of Gareth Bale
Since then, Bale has never looked back. He was often used as a left winger or forward, and Redknapp's decision reaped great results, as the Welshman hit top form. In the 2012/13 season, which is undisputedly his best at Spurs, he notched 26 goals and assisted 11 more, in a total of 45 appearances for the club.
He also won personal accolades that year, which subsequently saw him join Real Madrid in a world-record £85 million deal. In the following season with the Los Blancos, he justified his price tag, replicating his form by grabbing 22 goals and 16 assists.
The Welshman also scored two vital goals in the Copa Del Rey and Champions League finals, establishing himself as an integral part of the team - providing the perfect icing on the cake.
Since his arrival at Madrid, Bale has always been touted as the heir to Cristiano's throne as the talisman of Real Madrid. The pacey winger has attributes similar to the Portuguese captain. Insane pace, fearsome dribbling, ferocious long shots, towering headers and accurate free-kicks present Bale as an explosive dynamite.
It is always difficult for defenders to stop tricksters like Ronaldo & Ronaldinho, but nothing compares to the terror a winger strikes when he runs at the defender at top speed. And, Bale has mastered that art, as he can get past players with just acceleration.
Bale's time at Real Madrid has been underwhelming since his first season
Though he has already won the Champions League three times and lived his dream of playing for Real Madrid, Gareth Bale's career has stagnated over the last two seasons.
Successive long-term injuries have seen him get lesser minutes under his belt. To worsen his conditions, the surprise emergence of Spanish wonderkid Marco Asensio and the mercurial Isco Alarcon hitting top form has already seen him fall down the pecking order under coach, Zinedine Zidane.
On top of that, Real Madrid fans have been quite ruthlessly criticizing him as an injury-prone player. He has been booed by his own fans at the Bernabeu. Though he intends to stay and fight for his place, will a move be the best option on the cards?
Why Bale should move to United
Certainly, if Real Madrid does agree to sell Bale, Manchester United are waiting at the other end, having hawked him like vultures for the past two seasons. It is no secret that the legendary Sir Alex tried to sign the winger back when he played for boyhood club, Southampton, but Bale refused to opt for them. While no one can blame his decision to play for Madrid, now seems the right time for Bale to swap clubs to resurrect his career.
Considering the fact that he has won everything in Spain but nothing in England makes the move to Premier League more appealing. United, on the other hand, is already in the market for a world-class winger, having tried to sign Bale this summer.
Jose Mourinho likes having tall players on his team sheet, and Bale fits the bill. Mourinho stated before the UEFA Supercup clash that if Bale didn't make the starting line-up, he would wait for the Welshman on the other end.
But, Zidane did start Bale, rendering United's chances to land him as obsolete. Considering his ability and the Special One's requirement, Bale to United certainly looks like a match made in heaven.
How would Gareth Bale benefit Manchester United?
The Red Devils have run rampant in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals in the opening 3 games. They are the favorites to win Premier League this year, a medal Bale doesn't have in his trophy cabinet.
A team with tall giants like Matic, Pogba, Fellaini, Ibrahimovic, and Lukaku, Mourinho would certainly look to exploit the defenses in the air. But, United haven't had a brilliant crosser since David Beckham. That is where Bale comes in.
With his ability to hurl dangerous crosses inside the box, it will be an absolute treat for Ibrahimovic, Lukaku, and the others. Ibrahimovic and Lukaku are difficult to handle in the air, and Bale bombarding the defenses with world class crosses could see United score lot more goals every week. His move would certainly bring back the fear-factor back at Old Trafford, if it isn't there already, while also making them serious contenders for the Champions League title.
Also, Mourinho would likely opt for Bale, since Martial's consistency has been his concern. Marcus Rashford, on the other hand, is still a raw talent, making Bale the obvious first choice at United.
Bale appears to be more versatile, given his ability to play on both the flanks. In Mourinho's 4-2-3-1 formation, Bale would definitely be menacing on the left, if he is given the freedom to cut inside, alongside delivering crosses. His vision, long-shots, and dribbling will be a great cause of concern for the opposition, enabling him to score more goals and assist a few more.
If the United boss does opt for a 3-5-2, Bale would have less freedom with attacking, since he will be required to cross the ball. Also, it would mean extra hard work, since Mourinho expects his wingers to track back during the defense.
Nonetheless, Bale would prove quite effective with other attributes in his skill set. Also, the ex-Spurs forward is a set-piece and free-kick specialist, an added incentive to United who lack a good left-footed free-kick taker.
The deal might also have its snags since Bale's injury record makes it look like a gamble for Mourinho. The Wales international will have to face the rigors of the English game once again. On top of it, Bale is reaching his thirties, which will definitely affect his agility. Nonetheless, he has many other attributes to succeed at United, making the gamble worth it.
If Bale does arrive at United, he will be the gem in a star-studded team. Being overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo at Madrid, Bale has the possibility of becoming the main man at United. He would also have a chance to be considered for the Balon D'Or if he finds form in the Premier League.
And, unlike the Madrid fans, United supporters would give him more love than he has ever expected since they do not jeer their own players at home. He would undoubtedly be the Prince of Manchester (Not the king. Zlatan has already seen to that!) who helps in ushering in another golden age at Old Trafford.
