Gareth Bale has reportedly been 'scared off' a world-record £100m move to Manchester United because of the uncertainty surrounding the club.
According to a report in The Independent, the Real Madrid hitman "gave serious consideration" to a Premier League return last summer but was put off by United's performances under Louis van Gaal.
The newspaper claims that then-manager Rafael Benitez persuaded Bale, who is rumoured to be dissatisfied working alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, to remain at the Bernabeu but he may be swayed by a new approach from United this summer "if a cogent strategy is in place".
United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is said to be keen to keep Van Gaal until the end of the season, when a likely managerial change would be used to attract new talent.
The Red Devils currently sit fifth in the Premier League, five points adrift of the top four, while Madrid are four points off first-placed Barcelona in La Liga.
Neil Wilkes
