The reason why Man Utd failed in the Ronaldo and Bale deals
CEO Ed Woodward misjudged the situation of Real Madrid players at that time. And led to a gloomy summer transfer.
Manchester United have started the summer by being linked with Real Madrid players. First Toni Kroos, then Raphael Varane. And, finally, lingering interest in Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, neither of Los Blancos' strikers moved to Old Trafford, with Ronaldo joining Juventus for around £100m, while Bale stayed at the Santiago Bernabeu to become a key player for new coach Julen Lopetegui.
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| Man Utd once wanted to own Real Madrid players. |
But the English team made a mistake in assessing the situation of these targets. In fact, Ed Woodward always dreamed of Ronaldo because he believed that the striker born in 1985 would help Man Utd reach new heights with his excellent professional ability and top brand value.
However, United were always skeptical this summer, and when news broke that Ronaldo wanted to leave Real after nine years, the Red Devils adopted a cautious rather than ambitious stance, eventually landing the 33-year-old superstar at Juventus for a price Woodward was reportedly unwilling to pay.
The second reason why Man Utd didn't sign their former player was because of Bale. But the vice-chairman of the club also misunderstood and misjudged the situation, and the result is what we know - a summer that was like a farce.
Bale has been admired by Man Utd since the 1989-born player played for Southampton and then Tottenham Hotspur. The Red Devils like him as a top star on both wings, who can improve the team both professionally and economically.
Woodward is convinced that Bale will eventually move to Old Trafford, with Ronaldo's departure seen as a blip rather than a hindrance. Bale will go, at least as he said after the Champions League final.
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| Ed Woodward was wrong about his assessment of Ronaldo and Bale's situation. |
ButMan Utd forgot Ronaldo's motivation to conquer and Bale's love for life in Spain. There is no way Real Madrid would accept parting with two top stars like that in one summer, so when the Portuguese superstar leaves, his junior must stay.
Furthermore, Bale personally has always preferred to play at the Bernabeu because of the history of the club and because of the trophies he might not have won if he returned to England. Agent Jonathan Barnett, said as much in April. Before the announcement happened, he was considering his future. "Gareth is a Real Madrid player, and they have the most passionate feelings for each other,"he said
