Poll reaction: Bale the man to lead United to 2016 title challenge
Published:
Manchester United fans believe that Real Madrid ace Gareth Bale should be the club’s top transfer target this summer, according to the latest Ladbrokes poll.
Ladbrokes News asked readers to vote on who the Red Devils need to sign to mount a serious title challenge in 2015-16 and by far the most popular answer was the Welsh wing wizard.
The former Tottenham and Southampton ace has long been admired by the United board and it seems fans would welcome his arrival with 39 per cent of the votes coming in for the Champions League winner.
However, while Bale is the most popular choice United fans are well aware that the defence is an area that needs to be strengthened, with PSG ace Thiago Silva coming second in the voting with 26 per cent.
Edinson Cavani and Dani Alves were also listed as options but after a run of six Premier League wins, including the scalps of Tottenham, Liverpool and bitter local rivals Manchester City, the third most popular answer was ‘no one’ with 18 per cent.
With Ashley Young enjoying a renaissance, Marouane Fellaini finally finding his feet, Juan Mata being used correctly and Chris Smalling growing into his role at the heart of the defence, it seems the Stretford End are confident they already have the right talent at their disposal.
PSG strike ace Cavani is rumoured to be a £52m target for Van Gaal in the summer but with just nine per cent of the vote it seems United fans have been burned by the failed experiment with Radamel Falcao and are wary about another South American import from Ligue 1.
Dani Alves, perhaps the most accessible of all the options on the list, also turned out to be the player United fans least think will turn them back into title challengers.
The Barcelona defender is out of contract in the summer and the Red Devils are favourites to offer him a new challenge.
However, with just eight per cent of the vote it seems the Brazilian may have to look beyond Old Trafford if it’s the adulation of fans that he craves.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £25 in free bets.
