Signing Gareth Bale is a risk worth taking for Manchester United, believes former first-team coach Rene Meulensteen.
The Welshman is facing an uncertain future this summer amid links with a move away from Real Madrid.
Bale is no longer wanted by manager Zinedine Zidane, who is keen to get the £480,000-a-week player off Los Blancos’ wage bill.
Manchester United fan Chris says he doesn’t want Bale or Messi at club
However, the forward still has three years remaining on his contract and is said to be determined to see out the remainder of his big-money deal – even if it means he doesn’t play.
According to latest reports, though, United are interested in bringing Bale to Old Trafford on an initial loan deal and are happy to pay his astronomical wages.
Meulensteen fears it could be a big risk for the club, given the Welshman’s injury record and lack of game time in recent months, but says a fully-fit and fired up Bale would be a great addition.
Speaking on Monday’s Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: “You would obviously talk about bringing in a high-profile player in, but is Gareth Bale still at his best?
“We all know he’s had his fair share of injuries, so it’s always a risk.
“But, on the other hand, a top notch Gareth Bale is a really good asset for Manchester United.
LIVE ON talkSPORT
talkSPORT is your home of live football! Here’s what’s coming up on talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2…
- Belgium vs Scotland (Tuesday, 7:45pm) – talkSPORT
- Hungary vs Wales (Tuesday, 7:45pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Japan vs Scotland (Friday, 2pm) – talkSPORT 2
- England vs Argentina (Friday, 8pm) – talkSPORT
“He brings power, he brings pace and he can create and score goals.
“It’s a bit difficult to see where he is at the moment, though.”
