TO REQUIREMENTS AT BERNABEU

to Madrid last year when David Moyes was in charge at Old Trafford, but the wide man already had his heart set on switching to the Bernabeu.

Along with Paris St Germain, United are one of the few clubs who would be willing to meet Madrid’s asking fee and Bale’s £300ka-week wage demands.

But Bale – the only Brit on the 23-man Ballon d’Or short list – is more likely to choose a move to England than France – despite United’s patchy play.

While Moyes failed to land Bale, he did manage to bring in Marouane Fellaini for £28m from Everton.

Aura

The big Belgian flopped in his first season, but has shown big improvements so far in this campaign.

Club legend Bryan Robson believes the midfielder is finally getting to grips with what it takes to be a Man United star.

Former Red Devils skipper Robson said: “The first season, he didn’t really find his feet, whereas I think he knows what it’s all about now and the last couple of performances have been very good.

“I’ve seen it over the years at this club. Players come in from clubs that don’t have the aura of Man United. Some adapt to it really well and they just play because they enjoy the football.

“Other players come in and maybe they worry. They don’t settle down and enjoy their football because of the expectations.

“That’s where some players find it difficult, but I think Fellaini definitely looks as if he’s grasped what it’s all about.

“He’s starting to play like we know he can play.”