Former Red Devils coach Rene Meulensteen thinks that United should give up on the notion of trying to sign Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale.
The reports of the clubs desire to entice the Welshman back to the Premier League go so far as to suggest that United would be willing to include top goalkeeper David De Gea as part of any deal.
The Spanish international goalkeeper is top of trainer Carlo Ancelotti’s list as a replacement for current Los Blanco’s keeper Iker Casillas.
“I’m not sure Gareth Bale wants to leave Real Madrid yet,” Meulensteen told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “You can see it in his performances.
“It was a dream move for him to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and other world class players. He’s very happy where he is and it would be very difficult to tempt him away.”
And Meulensteen also thinks that Man United should brace themselves for a mega-money bid for De Gea in the summer.
“A lot of fans wouldn’t like to see him go,” he continued. “Especially because of the season he’s having.
“He took his time to settle in but this year he’s matured into a top goalkeeper who can handle the Premier League.
“These things happen in football though and, if there’s an interest, then clubs will test the market.
“The most important thing for Man United to do is reassure him that he is the No.1 at the club. They can give him a new and improved deal, because he’s earned that.
“That’s what the player’s want, when they work hard for it.”
