Monday 20 April 2015 09:50, UK
Martin Samuel told the Sunday Supplement that Manchester United will win the Premier League title next season if they sign Gareth Bale.
United have enjoyed a minor resurgence after a slow start under now boss Louis van Gaal, and they are on the verge of securing a return to the Champions League.
Defeat at Chelsea on Saturday Night Football all but ended their faint hopes of completing an astonishing turnaround and snatching their 21st top-flight crown.
But there is no doubt United are on the right track and with the addition of Real Madrid’s Welsh winger Bale, United would have a player who can steer them to title glory next season, according to the Daily Mail's chief sports writer.
“I think Manchester United could possibly win the league next season,” Samuel said.
“But if they get Gareth Bale, they will definitely win the league. They are the upcoming team.
“If you look at the round robin between the top five, United are Chelsea are neck and neck.
“If you look at Chelsea, they finished top of that group last season, and that was the sign that they were coming back up to the top.
“Against the Champions League clubs, they took 16 out of 18 points. That’s a good sign, as it shows you can match the best.
Samuel admitted that it is not just about beating the teams in and around you – the Premier League has much more to offer – and there are many more obstacles to overcome to finish top of the pile come May.
“The next step is to work out how you can become consistent against the rest of them and that’s what Chelsea did this season,” Samuel said.
“Last season they were losing games we didn’t think they should lose. This season they have changed that and won the league.
“If Manchester United had not been beaten home and away by Swansea, where would they be?”
