Dimitar Berbatov believes that Gareth Bale should join Manchester United from Real Madrid this summer as the move would suit all parties.
Bale has been heavily linked with a departure from Real amidst reports that manager Zinedine Zidane has informed the winger that he isn't in his plans for next season.
The winger, who played with Berbatov at Tottenham, could make the move to Old Trafford as United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to improve the quality of his squad.
Berbatov, who also previously played for United, told Betfair: 'The transfer rumours are already going and Gareth Bale has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.
'I like him a lot and for me he is getting too much criticism which is not fair. He has scored lots of goals, and important goals, too.
'He is an unbelievable player and if he can't find that appreciation in Madrid then come back to England where the fans know him and he is used to the football that is played.'
Despite the fact that they won't be in the Champions League next season, United could still be able to lure high quality players to the club.
The fact that Bale currently earns £500,000-a-week at Real could deter some clubs from signing the Welshman, but Berbatov believes that wouldn't be a problem for United.
Berbatov said: 'The only question is where to go, who wants to pay the fee and wage, but the big teams are not suffering from money problems so I'm sure a solution could be found!
'I'm curious to see which players come to United and while we can speculate Ole is in charge and hopefully the new recruits will be the right player for the team, not just to please the fans.'
Bale has been heavily criticised for his form this season - he has scored 14 goals and provided six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
With Bale having struggled to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Juventus, Real may look elsewhere as they look to bolster their resources.
United, meanwhile, are desperately seeking to improve having endured a difficult campaign.