Despite having brought some of the most highly-rated players to Old Trafford this summer in Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku, Manchester United have faced frustration in most of their pursuits. The latest such example is Bayern Munich’s, Arturo Vidal.
United have failed big time in their resolve to land a potential midfielder despite being linked with top players like Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier, Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic and AS Roma’s Radja Nainggolan. They had turned their eyes toward Vidal now and things were looking quite positive on that front for a while.
With a partner for Pogba seemingly the only thing stopping Jose from launching a full-fledged title challenge, it was understood that he will try to reunite both the ex-Juventus men. However, Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti has ended all speculation whatsoever by stating that the midfielder stays at Allianz Arena next year.
Speaking to media, Ancelotti said, “For Vidal, there is no way. He’s our player and I have a lot of confidence in him. I know there are rumours and we’re used to rumours. He’ll stay with us 100 per cent – I’m confident about that.”
There are also odds of 1/8 for Vidal staying at Bayern coming season and it looks to stay that way. He had a good season with Bayern the last term, where he scored four goals and assisted thrice from the deep midfield. The central midfielder, who can easily shift to an attacking midfielder as well as an anchorman as and when needed, is exactly what United need right now, though.
The Red Devils had to spend mammoth-like to get in their former youth product Paul Pogba back to the club. And while the Frenchman has been effective in the attacking third, he essentially needs a partner who would take a heavy load of the defensive duties in the midfield and let him move up on the counters. While Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini has been decent alongside him, they lack the vibrancy and work rate, which Vidal can bring.
The Santiago de Chile-born player has no known weakness in his game. Whether it is passing, holding the ball in tight situations, provide key passes or taking long shots, Vidal excels in all. Although at 180cm, he isn’t the tallest of players, he imposes his strong physicality quite magnificently.
With just two weeks to go before the new season starts, Jose Mourinho has to race against time to get in what perhaps would be his most important signing for next season.
