Tottenham and Fulham draw shows Manchester United have dodged transfer bullet

Tottenham: Mourinho gives verdict on draw with Fulham

When Gareth Bale returned to Tottenham from Real Madrid on loan during the summer transfer window, it was seen as a significant coup. However, the Wales international’s second spell in north London hasn’t worked out so far and stooped to a new low on Wednesday night as he was left on the bench for the entirety of his side’s 1-1 draw with Fulham. Jose Mourinho doesn’t appear to trust the veteran – and it seems Manchester United have dodged a bullet by not securing his signature.

Tottenham went into the match against Fulham looking to close the gap on United and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

But that didn’t happen, with Spurs instead slipping to a disappointing draw.

Tottenham went in front through Harry Kane in the 25th minute, with the England international heading home Sergio Reguilon’s pinpoint delivery.

But Fulham snatched a point late on through Ivan Cavaleiro to boost their chances of staying in the Premier League.

There were many talking points in the aftermath of the contest.

They consisted of points about Mourinho’s style of play, with Spurs again looking lacklustre in attack despite their healthy options.

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Some gave credit to Fulham for managing a point, with the Cottagers now having genuine aspirations of staying in the top flight.

And then there was Bale.

With Tottenham needing a goal, Mourinho decided against throwing the Wales international into the fray. He instead sat and watched from the stands.

The Spurs boss didn’t even use his third substitute, instead substituting Erik Lamela and Carlos Vinicius on in the hope his side would win.

For Bale, it’s yet another disappointing moment in his second spell in north London.

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When he returned from Real Madrid, many were delighted. They felt as though it was the perfect move for the 31-year-old, who had fallen down the Los Blancos pecking order.

Mourinho was viewed as the man to transform Bale back into the superstar he was during his first time in the capital, and throughout his Madrid career.

But, instead, that hasn’t happened.

The 31-year-old has managed just four Premier League appearances this season, finding the net on just a single occasion.

And it seems as though Mourinho no longer trusts him to make the difference.

What’s most concerning, too, is that Bale seems content. He hasn’t looked frustrated on the sidelines, instead looking happy while making jokes with his team-mates.

He’s certainly not been the player Tottenham thought they were getting – and his struggles show Manchester United have dodged a bullet.

Back in the summer, after pursuing Jadon Sancho to no avail, the Red Devils pondered a loan move for the Welshman.

But they ultimately opted to sign younger talent in Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo instead.

At the time, many United fans were angry. They felt as though the Red Devils were missing a trick by not signing Bale, despite his issues in Madrid.

Now, however, they’d have changed their tune.

Bale isn’t the player he was and his time at Tottenham has been woeful so far. At this rate, a permanent move back to England doesn’t appear likely.

And their struggles to get the best from the Madrid loanee further show that United did the right thing.

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