Could Gareth Bale us out?

World record signing Gareth Bale is yet again being linked with the red devils. Reports in Spain suggest that United are definitely interested in the winger, however have made no formal bid or enquiries as to acquiring him. Would he be the spark to set United on the road to challenging again for the Premier league title?

Brilliant Bale: The Welshman scored in the Copa Del Rey final and the Champions league final in 2014.

World's most expensive player, Champions League winner, Spanish Cup winner, Gareth Bale really did hit the ground running at Real Madrid in his debut season ending the season with 22 goals in 44 appearances, as well as 16 assists, including vital goals in the Champions league and Copa Del Rey final. Averaging a goal every two games, Bale is up amongst the finest forwards in world football and it was thought he may even rival ex-red Cristiano Ronaldo as the main man at Madrid.

His second season with Madrid was quieter, though he still managed to score in another major final, helping the men in white win the Club World Cup trophy. His Quality surely cannot be doubted, scoring all sort's of goals, including free kicks, solo runs from deep and long range efforts. Is he therefore exactly what United need? Pace and clinical finishing? Stamina and Strength? Creativity?

Manchester United have generally had an ethos for the past few decades of bringing through younger talent, instead of splashing out the millions on proven players. A tactic that has paid off for them in the past with the likes of Scholes, Giggs, Beckham and the Nevilles all being great successes. When the situation required however, they have been able to flex their financial muscle in bids to have them challenge for the title, the Cantona's the Van Nistelrooy's have all proved good signings and have normally pushed past United squads further and given them the 'edge' they needed.

Is this not what Louis Van Gaal needs to do? His side seems to be solid in midfield, with a reasonably settled and strong defensive United but upfront the side does seem slightly toothless at times, with no one in the forward line apart from Memphis perhaps who looks liable to beat a few players and get the fans on their feet. Many fans feel they need, in fact deserve a player who's a finished product, someone who is a reliable goal source, who has proven themselves season after season, the Ronaldo's , The Messi's , the very best.

RVP the MVP: Van Persie fired United to the title in 2013 contributing 26 league goals.

In the 2012-13 season, after a heartbreaking loss to noisy neighbours City on the final league day, Sir Alex Ferguson reacted. Despite perhaps paying over value for a 29 year old, he had invested in a player with a proven record of scoring goals, and it paid dividends Van Persie won the golden boot with 26 league goals, retaining the award which he won the previous season at Arsenal and the red devils won the league by 15 points with games to spare. Success. "He came to us at the very peak of his career" said Ferguson back in 2013. Give credit to Van Gaal, he tried to do similar with Angel Di Maria, a marquee signing, but for unknown and widely speculated reasons Angel Di Maria couldn't hack it at United and with a dip in form was sold shortly after arriving.

So perhaps Van Gaal needs to find himself a real catalyst of a signing, the Cantona's and the Van Nistelrooys of past seasons normally ended with Glory at the end of them, could Gareth Bale be the answers to Louis Van Gaal's prayers?

Obviously the price would be astronomical for United to pay, even if by some miracle Real Madrid agreed to sell  their prized asset, but with United finding difficulty with signing similar types of players in recent transfer windows, have they got many more options left to look at?

Bale is certainly proven in the Premier league, the Welsh Wizard struck fear into the majority of top flight defenders with his Powerful pacey runs and excellent dribbling skills. With this in mind, there is no real reason as to why Gareth Bale wouldn't be a sucess with United, infact he would even bring back the days of Ronaldo, a player he is just so similar to. His exellent free kicks and ability to beat a man are rivalled by few, he's the type of exciting player that many fans have been crying out for in recent years and that they've missed ever since Ronaldo's departure.

Unlucky Luke: Shaw and his team put in a poor performance against Newcastle.

The red devils put in another below par performance in their 0-0 draw against Newcastle, which prompted Paul Scholes to talk about their attacking options. "City frighten me, the goals you see in that team is incredible" the former midfielder went on "I look at our team and just don't see the same goal threat, i dont see goals from anywhere" Whilst the pressure may be slightly piling on Van Gaal from the average at best performances as of late,there may  be pressure coming from the boardroom, considering United risk suffering a third year in a row of no silverware. Which is why players such as Gareth Bale should be targeted, if they want to greatly improve their chances of having something to celebrate come the end of the season.Years gone by would tell us that a club like Manchester United should regularly be picking up the trophies and not just aiming for the top four and being second or third best.

 Does Van Gaal have an ace up his sleeve yet? As fans and writers, we'll just have to wait and see.