It happened again. Gareth Bale was the subject of criticism and frustration after Real Madrid was eliminated from Champions League play at the hands of Juventus on Wednesday. Is it time Bale leaves Spain and returns to the Premier League?
Bale's car was vandalized back in March after Real Madrid lost to Barcelona in El Clasico and this time he had obscenities yelled at him as he drove away in his car following yesterday's 1-1 draw against Juventus. Real lost the aggregate goal total, resulting in their elimination.
Bale took seven shots in that match, only one of which was on goal. Cristiano Ronaldo scored Real's only goal on a penalty shot in the 23rd minute. Juventus midfielder Alvaro Morata tied the match in the 57th minute with a blast that went through goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
The fans have time and time again taken out their anger on Bale, who misguided a header inside the six-yard box in the opening minute against Juventus. He's been the scapegoat for Real Madrid's woes, and perhaps its time for him to move on from La Liga.
"The fall-out from Real's defeat could be significant: Manager Carlo Ancelotti may pay with his job, and Gareth Bale might exit too," writes Michael Cox of ESPNFC. "The Welsh winger is under serious pressure from media and supporters alike, which is somewhat peculiar considering he's played well since moving to Real Madrid two years."
And if he does leave Spain, he's likely heading back to England.
"Manchester United believe they can sign Gareth Bale this summer," adds James Robson of the Manchester Evening News. "And Louis van Gaal's trump card might just be the promise of Welshman establishing himself as a genuine Old Trafford legend ...
"At Old Trafford he would have the chance to be loved in a way he never has in Madrid.
"It would be the opportunity to step out from the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo and establish himself as a talisman in his own right."
Man United has had a tough time finding success up front this season, despite the club sitting in fourth place on the Premier League table. They already agreed to a deal that will bring Memphis Depay to Old Trafford, and it's possible manager Louis van Gaal continues to be aggressive.
It's just a matter of how aggressive, because Bale will not be cheap.
