Paul Scholes identifies the player who’ll turn Manchester United into ‘title contenders’

Paul Scholes says Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale can transform Manchester United.

The former midfielder, writing in his weekly column for The Independent, believes Bale can have similar effect at Old Trafford as club legends Eric Cantona and Ruud van Nistelrooy. 'He [Bale] would be loved at Old Trafford' Scholes writes. 'In return I believe he could turn Louis van Gaal’s team into serious title contenders next season. In my years at United I witnessed some signings who, over their careers, transformed the fortunes of the team'. 'From Eric Cantona when I was an apprentice, to Dwight Yorke, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney. These were great footballers who became great United players. Bale has the potential to make as much of an impact as any of them'. Bale has had a tough time recently in Spain, fuelling rumours the Welshman could be on his way back to the Premier League. Following a poor showing in El Clasico last Sunday, which received no rating from one Spanish newspaper, the player's car was reportedly attacked by two Madrid fans. There's also been suggestions his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo is fraught, and sections of the team's supporters have booed the player during games. Scholes believes though the player would be an ideal fit for his former club. 'I get the impression that the only way Bale is going to leave Madrid is if the club tell him to go. As their record signing, he may yet believe that the time for that is a long way off but we have seen them do it with some big names in recent years, including Mesut Özil and Angel Di Maria'. 'Out in the wide position [against Barcelona], Bale did not look like a happy bunny. I can understand why he would want to see out his time at Madrid but even if he was to leave after two years, no one could say that, having won a Champions League title, his time there has been a failure. He has never won anything in English football and he would be hungry for success in this country. He is a phenomenal footballer who comes ready-made for the Premier League'. H/T The Independent.