Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Gareth Bale, Kevin Strootman Rumours

A poll taken by Spanish outlet Marca has indicated Real Madrid fans want Carlo Ancelotti to employ two strikers and ditch his 4-3-3 formation, perhaps dropping Gareth Bale in the process.

Manchester United have long been linked with the Welshman and may be interested to hear rumblings of discontent from Los Blancos supporters.

Although Ancelotti seemed to cause a little confusion when he brought Asier Illarramendi on for Isco during the latter stages of the club's 1-1 draw with Villarreal, it seems followers are more irritated by Madrid's diminishing goal threat and lack of balance, per Marca:

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That is the conclusion reached after asking fans in a recent MARCA poll. When asked their opinion on Isco going off for Illarramendi, most of the fans polled played down its importance, preferring to focus on the team's attacking trio. Many fans think the team should change to a 4-4-2. That is what most fans responded with regards to the team's formation.

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Like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Bale has failed to consistently impress since the arrival of 2015. He has scored three goals in 13 appearances and has assisted three more, per WhoScored.com.

While these are decent numbers by most standards, a measly defensive contribution adds to the chorus of boos Bale received in January when he failed to square the ball to Ronaldo for a simple goal. The former Tottenham star averages 0.9 tackles and 0.2 interceptions per match, as recorded by WhoScored, meaning Madrid can be exposed if opposing teams throw numbers forward.

Both Ronaldo and Benzema can also go defensively missing in this 4-3-3, which rarely sees them drop into their own half to make a difference. Villarreal took advantage and opted to spring forward during the recent Bernabeu tie, with Gerard Moreno's goal hardly amounting to a surprise after other opportunities went begging.

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Rob Train of ESPN FC believes Ancelotti has made a mistake marking Bale as undroppable: "The Wales international has been anointed one of Ancelotti's chosen few—those players who are considered to be 'untouchable.' But his performances really don't merit such Teflon treatment."

United could use a player who is intent on bursting forward with pace, particularly as Angel Di Maria continues to struggle at the club.

Bale's powerful dribbling ability could add another dimension to Louis van Gaal's side, but the 25-year-old would likely need to improve the defensive side of his game. He thrust himself to recognition with something of a free role at Spurs but won't get away with such luxury treatment in Madrid. CR7 remains the spearhead, meaning Bale has to muck in more regularly.

He would waltz right into United's starting lineup, which was recently discussed by B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Sam Tighe:

Although it seems unlikely United would be able to lure him away from the Spanish capital, Van Gaal needs to be working avidly to identify the club's summer transfer targets.

Roma's Kevin Strootman—who has been touted for an Old Trafford switch since Van Gaal's arrival—is working his way back to fitness, as he revealed with this Instagram post:

Former club doctor Mario Brozzi previously said there is "no way out" for Strootman now that he's suffering from Cyclops syndrome—the progressive loss of knee extension after an injury—per La Partita Perfetta on Gold TV, via Football Italia.

However, Strootman's aforementioned post was far more optimistic, as translated by Ben Jefferson of the Express:

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Contrary to reports in the media I am back in training and working hard on my comeback. Please don't believe people who have never seen me in their lives, but just follow the social pages of me and AS Roma where we will keep you updated on my progress. Just for the record, I'm right on schedule to be back when preseason starts.

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Van Gaal's ears may perk up at this news, as he is searching for a controlling midfielder who can replace the ageing Michael Carrick.

United face a must-win Premier League tie against Newcastle on Wednesday. They are currently two points clear of Liverpool in fourth but must endure a difficult run to the end of the season. Dreams of players such as Bale and Strootman will seem far away at this point but stand to become even less likely if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League.