Paul Scholes: Gareth Bale would transform Manchester United into title contenders

The Welshman has been under immense pressure of late after a string of lacklustre performances - although with Real Madrid's form dipping badly since the winter break, he is far from alone in playing poorly.

He was first jeered back in January during matches against Espanyol and Real Sociedad for perceived greediness.

He has since had his car attacked after Real Madrid's defeat in El Clasico and an astonishing 68.3% of fans demanded that he be dropped from the starting XI in a recent poll run by AS.

Manchester United tried to sign Bale when he moved to Madrid some two years ago and are willing to pounce on any uncertainty surrounding his future.

While former United schemer Scholes acknowledges the fact that Bale is thought to want to remain in Spain, he adds a move to United would suit both player and club.

“I get the impression that the only way Bale is going to leave Madrid is if the club tell him to go,” said the former England man.

“My feeling is that he would be perfect for Manchester United. He would be loved at Old Trafford. In return I believe he could turn Louis van Gaal’s team into serious title contenders next season.

“In my years at United I witnessed some signings who, over their careers, transformed the fortunes of the team. From Eric Cantona to Dwight Yorke, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney. Bale has the potential to make as much of an impact as any of them.”

Manager Carlo Ancelotti and club president Florentino Perez have consistently backed the former Tottenham star, who scored 29 goals in 49 league starts since his move to the Bernabeu in 2013.