Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has said that Gareth Bale would have chosen to go to Manchester United over Tottenham Hotspur if he had a straight choice between the two clubs.
Manchester United were reportedly interested in landing Bale as well as Sergio Reguilon but it was Tottenham who won the race for both players.
Reports indicated that Bale had his heart set on a return to Spurs despite Manchester United’s rumoured approach (Marca).
The 31-year-old has also admitted since completing the transfer that it was important to him to come back to a club where he was loved by the fans (BT Sport).
However, Johnson believes that United dropped the ball while negotiating for the winger.
He told Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (19/09/20 at 12:25 pm/1:30 pm): “The only thing I could put it down to with United is they get to a point in the negotiations and then they must stall on the finest little details.
“Bale, for example, if Bale has got the option to go to Tottenham or United, I believe he would go to United. But United clearly didn’t put the final details to it. It’s strange.”
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The former England defender backed Bale to improve Jose Mourinho’s side by dragging a few under-performing Spurs stars up to his level.
Johnson added: “He is [what Tottenham need] in terms of giving them a lift, for sure. We know he’s a sensational player. He hasn’t had enough football as I think he deserves.
“But he’s going to get a boost from everyone at the club. He’s going to drag the players who aren’t performing along with him. It’s an iconic signing that we are used to seeing from Mourinho.”
Spurs Web Opinion
After winning everything there is to win at Real Madrid, I do not see why a move to Man Utd would appeal to Bale at this stage of his career. Following the difficult last couple of years he experienced, he deserved to come back to a club where he is loved. Winning a trophy with Spurs would now be an icing on the cake as far as his career achievements are concerned.
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