Paul Scholes has one huge reservation about Manchester United signing Gareth Bale 

Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes has concerns over Gareth Bale's injury record  Credit: Getty Images/BT Sport 

Paul Scholes believes Gareth Bale's injury record is preventing him from joining Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in the world.

The Welshman has been linked with a possible return to the Premier League with Manchester United, but Scholes questioned the 28-year-old's fitness.

Speaking in a BT Sport preview of tonight's Uefa Super Cup between Real Madrid and Manchester United, Scholes offered his take on the possibility of Bale joining United.

"The lad has got amazing talent, we know that. He's got a brilliant physique, he's quick, he's strong and he should be right up there with (Cristiano) Ronaldo," said Scholes.

Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale shares a joke with Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku Credit: Reuters 

"But the reason he's not at the minute is that the lad just can't stay fit.

"I can't remember the last time he played a full season. He misses so much football it's untrue and when you think of Ronaldo and Messi, they play every week.

"They've played every week for the last 10 years. If Gareth's going to get to that level he needs to just stay fit."

Jose Mourinho has admitted he would "fight" to bring Bale to Old Trafford, should the forward become available.

Gareth Bale 
Gareth Bale missed the end of last season through injury Credit: Reuters 

Asked whether he had an interest in Bale, 28, Mourinho said: “Well, if he’s playing tomorrow I wouldn’t think of that. 

"If he’s playing tomorrow it’s because he’s in the coach’s and club’s plans and because he has ambition to continue at Real Madrid. I haven’t even thought of possibility of signing him.

“If he’s not in the club’s plans and what you are writing is true, that the arrival of another player then Gareth would be on his way out of Real Madrid, I would try to be waiting for him on the other side and be fighting with the other coaches who would like to have him on their team. 

"If he plays it would be the best confirmation that he will be staying.”

Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho says he will 'fight' to sign Gareth Bale if he becomes available  Credit: AFP 

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane attempted to evade questions on Bale's future before offering a short reply: “Bale is a Madrid player, that is all I can say. What I want to talk about now is tomorrow’s match, a really important match.” 

Manchester United are likely to face competition for Bale's signature, should he become available.

Back in 2013 Tottenham agreed a 'first option' clause in the deal that took the Welshman to the Bernabeu.  

License this content