Why Arturo Vidal could be a smart signing for Manchester United

In December, the FcInterNews (h/t The Sun) had claimed that Manchester United made contact with Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal’s agent Fernando Felicevich.

Arturo Vidal, 32, voiced his displeasure about lack of game time this season and claimed he is open to moving away. (h/t The Sun)

The Chilean midfielder has started just four matches across all competitions for Ernesto Valverde’s side, despite scoring in five different matches in La Liga to date.

However, the arrival of Dutch international Frenkie De Jong at the club has pushed the 32-year-old further down the pecking order at Nou Camp and Manchester United must take advantage of the situation this month.

The Red Devils are looking to strengthen their squad after an inconsistent start to the season that sees them five points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea. A New Year’s Day defeat away at Arsenal hampered hopes of a top-four finish but there has been some progress in the Europa League and Carabao Cup under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Arturo Vidal during his time at Bayern Munich. (Getty Images)

Nevertheless, United desperately need reinforcements in midfield following injuries to Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman has already been out for almost three months with an ankle injury and now he faces a further spell on the sidelines after sustaining a new problem.

Pogba had surgery on Thursday and is expected to be out of action for at least another month, while McTominay is facing a few months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

This has left Solskjaer with only two senior midfield options in Fred and Scott McTominay and that’s simply not enough to compete on all fronts. Thus, the Norwegian must make a move for Vidal in a bid to boost his midfield.

Vidal has faced some injury issues in the last few seasons and has slowed down considerably, but he can certainly be a short-term solution to United’s problems.

He isn’t a spring chicken at 32 and would provide genuine quality to United’s problematic midfield position if Solskjaer can motivate him for the challenge.

Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal in action. (Getty Images)

The Chile international has a vast amount of experience at the highest level of football and is a serial winner. The former Bayern Munich man can not only circulate possession but also provide a great deal of security in the build-up.

Vidal can operate in a deeper role, dictate the tempo of the game and is also quite proficient in breaking up play, thus adding a different dimension to United’s one-paced midfield.

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In the video below, one can get a glimpse of the Barcelona star’s style of play and the qualities he could bring to Old Trafford if a move happens.

Verdict

Vidal is a combative midfielder and would be a smart short-term signing for the Red Devils. Hence, the club’s hierarchy must go out and make it happen.