Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has sprung to the defence of Gareth Bale following recent criticism of the Wales international by fans and pundits.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has found himself under mounting pressure after failing to replicate the good form of his first season in Spain.

However, Ancelotti insists that Bale has been scapegoated, with his game suffering when his teammates have also been poor, and he was quick to point out that the 25-year-old's season has been blighted by injuries.

"He has had good moments when the team was in form and suffered when the team has played badly," the Italian coach told reporters.

"It is difficult to evaluate the season of a player who has had injuries but while there have been a few small issues he has progressed and become more used to playing with the team."

Bale has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks.