That is according to former Red Devil Darren Fletcher, who believes expectation levels at Old Trafford would shoot through the roof.
Jose Mourinho has confirmed he will attempt to land Bale if Real Madrid decide to cash in.
And Fletcher, who won a string of major honours during his long spell at Old Trafford, think the Welsh wizard would be a "next-level signing".
"That would put United right up there," he told talkSPORT.
"Not only would they be title favourites, but people would be expecting the title.
"That is the sort of level that signing is.
"It is the next-level signing.
"If Gareth could stay fit for a full season and United could sign him, I would personally think that would almost nail them on as favourites for the title."
Bale faces an uncertain future at the Bernabeu following last season's poor campaign.
The 28-year-old suffered a string of injuries and lost his place to Marco Asensio in the starting XI.
Real president Florentino Perez wants to sign Monaco sensation and could sell Bale to raise the necessary funds.
