Manchester United attempted to sign Gareth Bale four times but failed to ever finalise a deal for the Welsh winger.
Years on from his Manchester United departure, David Moyes admitted he wanted Gareth Bale to join him at Old Trafford.
Back in 2013, Bale was among the best players in the Premier League and United had made a bigger offer to Tottenham, but the Wales international instead made a world-record £85 million move to Real Madrid.
Who Is The BIGGEST Missed Man Utd Transfer Target Since The 2000s? ✍️😭
It is time to settle this debate once and for all… 🍿
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
The Red Devils were again linked with Bale just two years later when Louis van Gaal was in charge of United, but again a deal never came to fruition.
Bale stayed away from United and ended up being part of the Real Madrid side who won five Champions League trophies.
Norwich City v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Why Gareth Bale rejected Man United
According to the Daily Mail, United tried four times throughout Bale’s career to bring him to Old Trafford, but each attempt fell short.
Bale felt put off by the “sheer state of uncertainty at Old Trafford” around management and ownership.
More United News
Who is Manchester United’s best manager since Sir Alex Ferguson?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
At the time, United’s recruitment was being run by Ed Woodward following the departure of David Gill alongside Sir Alex Ferguson.
Woodward knew ‘zero’ about football, according to former United manager Louis van Gaal, who has often criticised United for being more focused on commercial success than football.
Gareth Bale could have become a Man United legend
When explaining why he wanted to sign Bale at United, Moyes made it clear that the Red Devils have always prided themselves on having brilliant wide players such as David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.
Moyes wanted Bale to arrive and follow in their footsteps at Old Trafford, but he will forever be remembered as one that got away from United.
READ MORE: Gareth Bale says ‘only one way’ Ruben Amorim will be successful at Man Utd, it goes against everything Ineos preach
Ironically, United struggled over the past decade to fill the right winger spot and, this summer, Ruben Amorim will hope he has finally found the fix in Bryan Mbeumo.
Patrice Evra claims United once agreed a double deal for Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale, but the owners refused to sign off on it.
It’s difficult to wonder where United may be if those deals had gone ahead.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox