I'm pretty certain most United fans would've accepted C Ronaldo + £40 million for Ronaldo or Zidane in 2004 too. Of course now we have the benefit of hindsight to categorically say it would've been a monumental disaster but one never knows how talented young players might develop given time and patience. We should try to get Bale provided Madrid are willing (no signs of it yet) but asset stripping by getting rid of De Gea or Januzaj in exchange is not the way forward. I'm also of the opinion that many United supporters under-rate our players, Pogba wasn't considered much cop either by a section of fans until he left and we got to see his potential blossom at Juventus.
Personally, I just saw something in Ronaldo that meant I was more certain (you can never be fully certain) that he'd become great. So I wouldn't have taken such a deal involving Zidane.
Pogba just had a bit of everything. Again I always saw him becoming a good player. And more than anything - we had space for him. He was tailored made for our weakest spot in the team.
However, had someone offered me Modric in return, I'd probably have taken it. And would still go for Modric over him now.
I guess it's easy to say now though, and maybe I wouldn't have seen it this way back then.
As for Januzaj - I just don't see him in the same way others do. I'll be surprised if he hits the heights some (most?) United fans predict. I think some United players are underrated and some are overrated by United fans. Heck - maybe I am underrating him here
right here.
I also think Bale is that rare type of match-winner that takes a team to a new level. Me being up for that deal probably says more about how good I think Bale is (and would be here) than anything against Januzaj.