Champions League return? Check. Massive amounts of money from the Premier League’s new TV deal? Check. A top-quality manager and genuine belief that the corner has been turned? Check.

All is looking rosy at Manchester United right about now, with this season, although full of highs and lows, having garnered the desired result.

And now with top level European football back and the coffers significantly boosted, there’s every chance a marquee man could be signed this summer – even though Angel di Maria’s plight is a somewhat cautionary tale.

Two of the biggest names being aligned with Old Trafford right now are Gareth Bale and Raheem Sterling, but which would be the better option? Well, here’s a breakdown…

[interaction id=“none”]

First-team impact

Bale: There’s not doubt that Bale is ready to make an instant impact. The Welshman was the Premier League’s top player before his switch to Real Madrid, and he’s since won the Champions League – scoring in the final. He’s been a first-team regular for the biggest club on the planet and appears to have improved individually from working with some of the finest players on the planet.

Sterling: At just 20 and with one full season – he featured infrequently in 2012/13 and dipped out of the side in 2013/14 – Sterling is relatively unproven. Okay, he’s been a week in, week out performer for Liverpool this term, but his regular presence may be more if a reflection on the lack of depth at Anfield – he’s played up front due to Daniel Sturridge’s injury woes. A risk, then!

Value for money

Bale: Real are likely to demand around the £86m they paid for Bale just under two years ago, and that’s fair enough. After all, he has performed well and at 25 is entering what should be his peak years. However, such a sum could realistically bring in a top class defender and an excellent striker, which are two areas United need to address if they’re to possess a balanced squad capable of fighting domestically and in Europe next season.

Sterling: Although Liverpool want £50m and are determined to keep Sterling, should he really dig his heels in the club may be forced to do business, with losing him for free in 2017 or at a severely discounted rate next summer worrying possibilities. A fee of £30m-£40m may be more realistic then, which would be good value for a player widely hailed as one of Europe’s top emerging talents.

Long-term-ness

Bale: At 25, Bale is just entering his prime. From now until he hits the 29-30 mark, the Wales international should be at the peak of his physical powers, so getting him in could provide United with a top class footballer for around four years. In that time they may re-cement their spot as English football’s top dogs.

Sterling: Sterling is only 20. That’s hard to believe considering he’s made over 100 Liverpool outings and has played for England on 14 occasions. Such early achievements suggest that the future is indeed bright for the Jamaican-born attacker, who could realistically still be performing well in 13 years’ time.

Overall…

All things considered, Gareth Bale appears to be the better option for Manchester United.

The Welshman may cost around double the fee Raheem Sterling might command, however, he’s a ready-made first-team player about to enter what should be the best years of his career. United need an instant impact as they gear up for a Champions League comeback, so another step back in 12 months’ time must be avoided.

There is also the factor of Liverpool being extremely reluctant to sell their most bitter rivals…