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Ignore Jose Mourinho, Manchester United could still sign Gareth Bale this summer - Burley
MANCHESTER UNITED will still look to sign Gareth Bale in the summer if he becomes available, despite Jose Mourinho claiming he will not be buying any more attacking players.
Gareth Bale could join Manchester United despite Jose Mourinho's recent comments, reckons Burley
Those are the views of ESPN FC pundit and former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley.
Mourinho ruled out further additions in attack at the end of this season following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez in January.
Burley admits Manchester United have good options going forward but says signings cannot be ruled out if the right player comes up.
“If we take it that (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic is probably going to be going, that leaves (Romelu) Lukaku who he’s either convinced long term on him or not,” Burley said.
If Gareth Bale comes available, I’m sure United will be pitching for a Gareth Bale
“I would say it’s 50-50 at the moment, he’s not even had a full season yet.
“Then you’ve got (Marcus) Rashford and (Anthony) Martial playing wide, (Juan) Mata signed a new deal, albeit short term. Good squad player, always get a good job off him.
“Sanchez is in, (Henrikh) Mkhitaryan is out as you know. I think there are some options there but I think you never say never.
“If that player comes up, United have the power to go for a particular player if he comes on the market if he’s available.”
Man Utd will still look to sign attacking players if the right one becomes available, says Burley
Burley says Mourinho will want to strengthen in defence in the summer but can see them plotting a raid for Real Madrid and Wales star Bale.
“I wouldn’t say they’re not going to go for an attacking player but I think he will be looking at full-back positions, he will be looking at getting somebody in there to help (Nemanja) Matic and that would free (Paul) Pogba on a more regular basis,” he added.
“Somebody maybe to come in alongside Eric Bailly eventually because (Victor) Lindelof has been signed but I don’t think he’s convinced about him, (Chris) Smalling and (Phil) Jones have been better this season than they were last where he criticised.
“He will look to strengthen defensively but if that player comes up, i.e. if Gareth Bale comes available, I’m sure United will be pitching for a Gareth Bale.”