Paul Scholes has claimed that Gareth Bale would be 'perfect' for Manchester United as the Welshman's future at Real Madrid continues to warrant speculation.
The winger has found himself increasingly under fire at the Santiago Bernabeu after going a run of nine games without a goal and facing accusations of selfish play, all of which came to a head in the early hours of Monday, when his car was attacked by unruly fans.
Bale's recent struggles have led the English media to suggest that a Premier League return with the Red Devils could be in the offing, and the retired midfielder believes the former Tottenham star would be welcomed by his old club with open arms.
“I watched El Clasico on Sunday and it was clear Bale was having a hard time of it,” he wrote in his weekly column for the Independent.
“The reaction to defeat to Barcelona and the stick he has received from the Spanish media and some fans will only make it more difficult.
“He had a great first season and I admire his determination to fight for his place in the most competitive squad in world football.
“I get the impression that the only way Bale is going to leave Madrid is if the club tell him to go.
“As their record signing, he may yet believe that the time for that is a long way off but we have seen them do it with some big names in recent years, including Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria.
“My feeling is that he would be perfect for Manchester United. Of course, as a fan of my former club I would like to see him there but, looking at it objectively, I always felt that Bale was a natural fit for United as he developed at Tottenham from a left-back into one of the best attacking footballers in the country.
“He would be loved at Old Trafford. In return I believe he could turn Louis van Gaal’s team into serious title contenders next season.
“All good players need to be appreciated. Bale would be coming to United in a time of change when the team is looking for leaders.
“Madrid will always be in a state of upheaval, with new presidents and a fresh intake of players each summer.
“At United there has also been great change in the past 22 months, but the club is trying to move towards stability in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
“Out in the wide position, Bale did not look like a happy bunny. I can understand why he would want to see out his time at Madrid but even if he was to leave after two years, no one could say that, having won a Champions League title, his time there has been a failure.
“He has never won anything in English football and he would be hungry for success in this country. He is a phenomenal footballer who comes ready-made for the Premier League.”
