Gareth Bale reveals why he turned down a move to Manchester United

Another summer transfer window has closed and - would you bloody well believe it - Gareth Bale is still not a Manchester United player...

First linked with a move to Old Trafford during the early stages of foetal development, reports that Bale might be United-bound returned again during the summer, only for the Welsh international to eventually stay put at Real Madrid (again). An injury-hit season for Bale, coupled with the increasing influences of Marco Asensio and Isco in the Real starting XI, had seen some Spanish media suggest that the former Tottenham player could (and should) be allowed to leave for United with Kylian Mbappé being brought in as his replacement. Ultimately, despite Mourinho publicly declaring his interest in Bale ahead of the European Super Cup, Bale never came close to the move to Manchester. Now, while speaking to the Daily Mail, the 28-year-old explained that his desire to win trophies was all the motivation needed to remain with the Spanish and European champions. Asked about the idea of leaving Real to become the star player at another club, Bale said: "Well, there's an argument for that but I think the main thing, when you look back on your career, is that you look at your trophies. "In the end that's probably the most important thing." Bale will hope to start for Zinedine Zidane's side as they begin the defence of their latest European crown against Apoel Nicosia on Wednesday night. Despite victories in Spanish and European Super Cups and an opening day La Liga win against Deportivo La Coruña, Real have drawn the following two home games against Valencia and newly-promoted Levante.