Ed wouldn’t Bale on deal for Gareth
AMONG the reasons United’s move for Ivan Perisic unravelled in the summer was a reluctance to spend over the odds on a player with little to no sell-on value.
At the age of 28, Perisic’s proposed move to Old Trafford was likely to be his last chance of commanding a sizeable fee.
Inter Milan overestimated how desperate United were to sign him, holding out for a £49m bid that Ed Woodward just wasn’t prepared to make.
Jose Mourinho was determined to make the Croatian his fourth acquisition of the summer window. But having signed Nemanja Matic – who turned 29 the day after completing his £40m move from Chelsea – United were facing up to the prospect of spending close to £90m on two players who would turn 30 midway through their second season at the club.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s struggles have emphasised the perils of signing players in their late 20s. With the Armenian set to turn 29 in January, there would be a natural reluctance from interested clubs to commit to a large fee and long contract if United look to sell this summer, with Mesut Ozil a potential target.
A move for Perisic also threatened the development of Anthony Martial – a player United had made a significant investment in just two summers prior.
There was a feeling the Frenchman should be nurtured – an approach that has paid dividends this season, with Martial producing some of his best form since his move from Monaco in 2015.
Yet Mourinho revealed after victory against Brighton on Saturday why he coveted an experienced wide man.
“Marcus (Rashford) and Martial are without the tactical knowledge that an older player has to close the spaces between the full-back and the number six,” he claimed when describing United’s difficulty in controlling the game.
And while Martial provided the perfect response with an outstanding performance and goal in the 4-2 win against Watford, Mourinho’s desire for older heads is unlikely to diminish.
In that sense Gareth Bale may prove the perfect solution to fit the requirements of both manager and executive vice chairman. United are primed to move for the Welshman at the end of the season – believing Real Madrid will look to cash in on a player who has suffered a succession of injuries.
Despite being 28 – he is 29 in July – and increasing concerns over his fitness record, United still consider him an ideal fit, regardless of sell-on value.
Bale, with the commercial potential he brings, makes financial sense even for a price that would potentially top Inter’s £49m valuation of Perisic.
Woodward has coveted Bale since taking over United’s transfer strategy in 2013 – and remains intent on bringing him to Old Trafford.
Mourinho is equally as keen – placing him on his list of wing targets, along with Perisic and Willian last summer.
While Martial’s form has justified the decision to place faith in him, United remain in need of attacking options, with width an area Mourinho is still eager to address.
Both Real and Bale’s representatives insist there are no plans for him to leave the Bernabeu – but United are increasingly confident that stance could change at the end of the season.