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Real Madrid news: Why Gareth Bale did not join Man Utd after Cristiano Ronaldo exit
REAL MADRID managed to keep Gareth Bale amid interest from Manchester United after he was told he would be their Cristiano Ronaldo replacement, according to reports.
Real Madrid star Bale was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, who were keen on bringing the 29-year-old to Old Trafford.
The Wales international looked likely to leave the Bernabeu this summer after struggling for game time under Zinedine Zidane last season.
Real Madrid have since, though, appointed Julen Lopetegui as Zidane’s successor, with the Spaniard charged with the task of landing the club a fourth consecutive Champions League title.
They also lost Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus in a transfer that complicated United’s pursuit of Bale.
And Marca have now opened up on why the Wales forward chose to stay at the Bernabeu.
Bale impressed for Real in their 2-0 win over Getafe on Sunday night, finding the net in the 51st minute after Dani Carvajal had fired them ahead.
Over at United, meanwhile, are they appear stuck in a rut.
Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward’s relationship appears to be at an all-time low with reports suggesting they are no longer on speaking terms.
And Marca indicate United’s hopes of signing Bale were dashed after he was told he would be their main man following Ronaldo’s exit.
It is claimed the Madrid hierarchy assured their No 11 that he would be their talisman and they had full confidence in him.
Lopetegui then did the same, making the 29-year-old feel central to his plans.
United, unable to snare Bale, were forced to change tact.
The Red Devils spent the latter stages of the summer eyeing moves for Chelsea’s Willian and Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic.
But, ultimately, they were unable to sign either player.
Gareth Bale is the closest thing to Ronaldo says Lowe
Meanwhile, Lopetegui praised Bale after his Getafe showing at the weekend.
The Real boss said: "I liked the team's performance in general and Bale had a very good match.
"He offers lots of different things, like the other players.
“We must continue working, the team always comes before individual talent and that goes for Bale too."