Gareth Bale's telling Man Utd training ground visit and why transfer failed

Gareth Bale was spotted at Manchester United's training complex back in 2019 with a mischievous grin on his face.

That was during Wales' international training, and further fuelled rumours that the Red Devils were keen to lure him away from Real Madrid at the time. Ryan Giggs' squad were using United's Carrington facility to prepare for their matches against Trinidad and Tobago and Slovakia, as their own north Wales base wasn't ready.

Bale's smile, captured as he strolled past a large mural of Marcus Rashford, only added to the speculation that the then 29-year-old might be planning a return to the UK. But a deal never materialised – then or at any other stage in his career, despite multiple attempts from the Red Devils.

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The speedy and robust left-winger first made his mark at Southampton, signing his initial professional contract with the club in 2006. However, he stayed in the southern city for just one year before Tottenham Hotspur secured his services for £5million, rising to £10million - arguably one of the greatest bargains in Premier League history.

At White Hart Lane, Bale netted 42 goals in 146 appearances, before securing a record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid in 2013, with the Spanish giants shelling out around £85million. At the peak of his career, the Welsh star clinched three La Liga titles, five Champions League trophies, two UEFA Super Cups and a Copa del Ray, contributing 81 goals and 46 assists in 176 La Liga appearances.

His illustrious career saw him return to Tottenham Hotspur for a final stint on loan in the 2020/21