Why Gareth Bale should avoid Manchester United

It's a strange situation when a player who single-handedly decided the 2018 Champions League final is not a regular at his club. This season, despite staying injury free, Real Madrid's Gareth Bale started only 24 competitive games. He was subjected to fighting for a place with Marco Asensio and Isco, two talents he's proven more effective than. 

The predicament haunts Bale nightly. That's why he was open when speaking on BT Sport, proclaiming he needs to 'be playing week in, week out'.

That statement must have been music to Ed Woodward's ears. Manchester United's executive vice-chairman would love nothing more than to sign Bale this summer. For the Wales international, however, a move to Old Trafford would be catastrophic. 

If Man United is the answer, then what's the question? Bale as a Red Devil isn't a good fit. Jose Mourinho persists in putting together an uninspiring and robotic team, one which the Welshman has no place in. The Portuguese manager demands his attacking players track back, doing their fair share defensively.  

Bale would be shackled at United, unable to showcase his true talent. He requires freedom in the final third, not defensive burdens. 

Furthermore, Premier League stars are scrutinised to a greater extent than those in La Liga. Bale's performance is likely to be blasted on a regular basis. Averaging almost a goal every two games for Los Blancos soon long forgotten.

Bale must find another route out of Madrid. His reputation means Europe's top clubs will queue up. There aren't many better wingers than the 28-year-old.     

Bale's best options

Paris Saint-Germain

The French giant is on the verge of reaching European football's summit. PSG will look to use their extensive resources to achieve that feat. Bale, having played an integral part in Real Madrid's last four Champions League triumphs, would offer much-needed expertise at the Parc des Princes.  

The Welshman scored three times in Europe's most prestigious club competition this season. Two were in the showpiece against Liverpool. The Parisiens, despite possessing top quality wingers such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler, didn't come close to reaching Kyiv's final. Bale would have made the difference. He still could next campaign.  

Bayern Munich

With both Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery on their last legs, as well as Kingsley Coman struggling to fulfil potential, Bayern Munich is in the hunt for an explosive wideman. 

The Bundesliga is renowned for its technical playing style. Bale's technique has always belonged in the game's upper echelon. His acceleration and power would perfectly suit Bayern's heavy metal football.  

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola is building an Etihad empire, one founded on attacking principles. It's quite the opposite to his rival's kingdom in Manchester's other half. 

At City, Bale would have the license to play freely. When he previously had such freedom at Tottenham Hotspur, he delivered the most exciting moments of his career thus far. Guardiola's influence can rediscover Bale's unstoppable form.