- Louis van Gaal hopes to lure Gareth Bale to Manchester United
- Dutch boss believes Bale would consider a move to Old Trafford
- United were pipped to the signing of Chelsea new boy Pedro
- It’s not too late to sign up for MailOnline’s new Fantasy Football game
By
Ian Ladyman for the Daily Mail
Published:
21:30 GMT, 20 August 2015
|
Updated:
07:30 GMT, 21 August 2015
Gareth Bale is still the player who Louis van Gaal thinks can transform Manchester United into genuine Barclays Premier League contenders.
Chelsea beat United to sign Pedro from Barcelona this week but Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward remains confident of landing a big player this summer.
He believes that United can attract a more high-profile name after their 3-1 victory over Club Bruges all but assured them of a place in the Champions League group stages.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal believes he can tempt Gareth Bale (left) away from Real Madrid

Bale talks with new Madrid boss Rafa Benitez during a training session in Spain on Thursday
-
Gareth Bale left dazed after Real Madrid star takes part in…
Real Madrid prepared to offer Manchester United Keylor Navas…
Nicolas Otamendi signs for Manchester City for £32m… and…
Mateo Kovacic joins Real Madrid training for first time……
Van Gaal has told friends in the past week he thinks Bale can be persuaded to leave Real Madrid at some stage.
When, during United’s pre-season tour, he spoke of the creative player he needs, it is understood he had Bale in mind.
The chances of Woodward pulling off that deal soon are slight, especially as relations with Real Madrid are not great while the Spaniards try to prise David de Gea away from Old Trafford.

Van Gaal has told friends that he thinks Bale can be persuaded to leave Madrid at some stage

United had been interested in signing Barcelona winger Pedro, but Chelsea swooped in to land him instead
United retain a strong interest in Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller and hope to sign Southampton striker Sadio Mane, although his manager Ronald Koeman insisted on Thursday night: ‘We will always have rumours, but nobody is for sale.’
United are also eyeing Real Madrid’s Spanish prospect Borja Mayoral, 18, who could be key as Real look to complete a deal for De Gea.
They may be more likely to listen to offers for their keeper if Mayoral, top scorer in the European Under 19 Championship with three goals, were part of a deal.
LOUIS VAN GAAL’S SIGNINGS AT MANCHESTER UNITED
2015/16 season signings
Matteo Darmian (£12.7m) – Italian defender has made a solid start to his career at Old Trafford. Just one goal conceded in the first three games.
Bastian Schweinsteiger (£14.4m) – German midfielder has been used as a substitute in the early games, but looks composed when he has come off the bench
Morgan Schneiderlin (£25m) – Settled in well next to Michael Carrick in the centre of midfield after stepping up from Southampton
Sergio Romero (Free) – Found himself as first choice goalkeeper while David de Gea’s future is resolved. Yet to concede a goal in the Premier League but has had a few hairy moments
Memphis Depay (£25m) – Quite start in the Premier League but came to life with two excellent goals in the Champions League qualifier against Club Bruges
TOTAL SPENT: £77.1m
2014/15 season signings
Ander Herrera (£29m) – Slow start to his United career but improved as he settled into life at Old Trafford
Luke Shaw (£27m) – Found it difficult in his first season to live up to the price tag, but Van Gaal is expecting big things from him this season
Marcos Rojo (£16m) – The jury is still out on the centre back after an unspectacular first season at United
Angel Di Maria (£59.7m) – Made a good start but quickly faded. Suffered off the field issues that impacted on his performances. Sold to PSG for a loss
Daley Blind (13.8m) – Versatile player who can play in midfield but has started this very well at season at the back
Victor Valdes (Free) – Told he has no future at Old Trafford after Van Gaal said he refused to play in an U21 game
TOTAL SPENT: £145.5
GRAND TOTAL: £222.6M

Manchester United have reportedly made a £60m bid for for Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller

Dutch boss Van Gaal is also keen on signing Southampton forward Sadio Mane before September 1

Manchester United are interested in signing Real Madrid’s highly-rated 18-year-old Borja Mayoral
-
Gareth Bale left dazed after Real Madrid star takes part in…
Real Madrid prepared to offer Manchester United Keylor Navas…
Nicolas Otamendi signs for Manchester City for £32m… and…
Mateo Kovacic joins Real Madrid training for first time……
Share or comment on this article
-
Brentford and Leyton Orient fans fighting at Liverpool St in…
-
Real Madrid 2-1 Galatasaray: Marcelo wonder solo strike
-
Chelsea starlet Charly Musonda thrashes Eden Hazard at table…
-
Daniel Sturridge continues recovery programme in the US
-
Andy Murray indulges in obscure chin holding stare-down
-
Thiago Alcantara on return to fitness and action at Bayern
-
Usain Bolt training for World Championships in Bejing
-
McBusted drummer Harry Judd in the nets with Ian Ward
-
Arturo Vidal and Bayern team-mates decked out in lederhosens
-
Real Madrid 2-1 Galatasaray: Ronaldo open goal miss howler
-
Mario Balotelli in lone shooting practice at Melwood
-
Steven Naismith: Everton are not considering John Stones…
-
Through the keyhole: Can you match these stunning luxury…
-
Pedro signs for Chelsea in £21m transfer from Barcelona as…
-
Gareth Bale is the man to transform Manchester United,…
-
Manchester United set to ramp up Thomas Muller and Sadio…
-
The Ashes 2015 DAY ONE recap: England vs Australia cricket…
-
Chelsea are the Premier League’s transfer hijackers and…
-
Memphis Depay is Manchester United’s new showman and shone…
-
Nicolas Otamendi signs for Manchester City for £32m… and…
-
Manchester friends re-united as Tom Cleverley bumps into…
-
Real Madrid prepared to offer Manchester United Keylor Navas…
-
Pedro vs Sadio Mane: How does Manchester United target…
-
Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City transfer…
Related Posts
Manchester United to sell supersize XXXXL versions of new kit after fans complain existing shirts are too small
Chelsea star Eden Hazard admits he still winces when he thinks about Phil Bardsley’s horror tackle
China cuts key interest rate to 4.35%
Why a Virtual Phone System Is Still Important In The Age of Mobile and Internet
Top 10 2014 NBA free agents – Yahoo Sports
Greece: 59 rescued from migrant dinghy off Greek island