Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale – which Real Madrid superstar would be a better signing for Manchester United?
Pundits Paul Merson and Gary Neville have both been quoted in national newspapers this week arguing that Louis van Gaal would be better off pursuing a move for Bale rather than chasing a sensational return for Ronaldo.
A choice between the two would be a dream scenario for many United fans, but who would you rather see in the red shirt? Here, we weigh up the pros and cons for each player…
RONALDO
Pros
Goals, goals, goals
Goals. Ronaldo scores an awful lot of them. After hitting 118 in 292 appearances for United, Ronaldo’s scoring feats reached new levels at Madrid, where he has netted an astonishing total of 326 in 315 games. His tally of 61 in 2014/15 was his highest ever for a single season, and for all the recent accusations of being past his best, the three time Ballon d’Or winner has still hit 13 in just 15 appearances this campaign. That kind of contribution would make a huge difference at United, who have scored fewer goals than Southampton, West Ham and Everton in the Premier League this season.
He loves United
Ronaldo’s enduring affection for United is no secret. “I’m a huge supporter of Manchester United,” he said on a TV appearance on Saturday night. The 30-year-old maintains he is happy with life in the Spanish capital, but he added: “As people know I like Manchester United, I love that club, but the future, nobody knows…”
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague says Ronaldo still dreams of going back. “The English club informed his agent in 2013 that they have enough financial power to secure his return,” Balague wrote in his new biography of Ronaldo. “In fact, everything has been in place since his departure in case both parties decide to take that step.”
…and United love him
The feeling is certainly mutual. Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, a Champions League and three domestic cups as well as a host of individual accolades during his time at United, and he is still adored by their fans. He received a rapturous reception on his last appearance at Old Trafford with Real Madrid in 2013, and he refused to celebrate his goal out of respect for his former club. He was United’s most exciting talent since Eric Cantona, and his return would bring plenty of feel-good factor to the club.
Cons
Past his prime?
Ronaldo has actually failed to find the net in nine of his 15 appearances for Madrid this season, and his performances have come in for criticism. “I think he peaked one or two years ago,” Balague told Sky Sports last month. “What we are seeing is an extraordinary striker who will continue scoring goals, especially when he is less anxious about beating Raul for the goalscoring record at Real Madrid. But I feel his influence on the game is diminishing, and that’s why I insist with this idea that he has peaked.” Ronaldo will be 31 in February, and with a playing style that relies on pace and power, how long does he have left at the top?
Dressing room danger
The young Ronaldo was surrounded by big characters during his time at United, and Neville recently said his experiences in that harsh dressing room environment were the making of him. But he would be returning as a player who is used to having things his own way. Ronaldo wields huge influence in the Madrid dressing room – just ask Bale – and he would surely demand the same kind of attention at United. His presence would undoubtedly change the dynamic at United, and that’s before even considering whether he has the discipline to adapt to Van Gaal’s rigid tactical approach on the pitch.
Cost
To put it simply, Ronaldo would cost an absolute fortune. He is contracted to Madrid until 2018, and club president Florentino Perez recently stated that his suitors would have to pay his one billion euro buy-out clause in order to prise him away from the Bernabeu. In addition to coughing up a whopping transfer fee, United would have to pay Ronaldo’s astronomical wages.
BALE
Pros
All-round attacker
While Bale cannot compete with Ronaldo for his sheer number of goals and assists, he has still had a huge impact in Spain. In 64 La Liga appearances so far, Bale has scored 30 goals and claimed 25 assists. Bale is an elite talent who would undoubtedly improve United’s attack. He has already shone in the Premier League too, where he scored 21 goals and added four assists in his brilliant final season with Tottenham.
Best years ahead
Crucially, Bale also has his best years ahead of him. The former Tottenham forward is a far younger option than Ronaldo having only turned 26 in July, and he is likely to improve as he enters his prime. Louis van Gaal would be able to stamp his influence on him – and Wales hero Bale would surely appreciate the chance to link-up with countryman Ryan Giggs.
At home in the Premier League?
It has not been easy for Bale to adapt at Madrid, and he has regularly come in for criticism in the Spanish press. Would he be more at home in the familiar surroundings of the Premier League? Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said as much in May – and that could help United get the best out of him. “Should he get the chance to come back to the Premier League, he must grab it with both hands,” Carragher wrote in his Daily Mail column. “His achievements with Real are there for all to see. Now it would be good to see him playing with happiness again.”
Cons
He’s not Ronaldo…
Real Madrid bought Bale in the hope that he could reach the level of Ronaldo, but for all his quality, the Welshman is not quite there. In fairness, few players come close to the extraordinary standards set by Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but could Bale ever scale those heights? He has age on his side, but it’s hard to imagine him matching his team-mate’s achievements.
Injury prone?
Ronaldo is a physical marvel who rarely suffers injuries, but the same can’t be said of Bale. The 26-year-old only completed the full 90 minutes a handful of times in the first half of his first season at Madrid having arrived with a back problem, and injury issues have resurfaced this season. So far, he has only featured in seven of Madrid’s 15 games in all competitions, and he has only completed the 90 minutes four times. Ronaldo, by contrast, hasn’t missed a single minute.
Cost
He may not have a billion euro buy-out clause like Ronaldo, but Bale would still command a huge transfer fee and hefty wages. Madrid paid a world record £85m fee to sign the Welshman in 2013, and he would cost United even more. Bale is a personal favourite of Madrid president Florentino Perez, and he has three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at the Bernabeu.
Source Skysports
