Manchester United have done pretty well in the league and have only been overshadowed by their neighbours Manchester City who have lost just once to lead by 13 points at this stage. Despite strengthening considerably last summer, Mourinho’s side haven’t been able to compete with Guardiola’s side. That could change come summer, however.
While Mourinho has added proven young players in the form of Eric Bailly, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku, he has also signed experienced players in Nemanja Matic and Alexis Sanchez. And if reports by the Daily Mail are to be believed, they could add another stalwart to their midfield – Arturo Vidal.
While Pogba, Matic and Herrera have done well when called upon, Michael Carrick might not be available next season as his contract runs out and Marouane Fellaini has been a bit inconsistent.
Vidal is an upgrade over any current midfielder they have and his reunion with Pogba could be the answer to unlocking the Frenchman’s true potential that many presumed was already answered when United signed Matic.
An irresistible midfield with Vidal
Vidal needs no introduction. A player who’s won numerous league titles with Juventus and Bayern Munich, and international honours with Chile, Vidal is at the peak of his prowess and perhaps has a couple of good years left in him before he is past his physical peak.
An all-action midfielder, Vidal had a slow start to the season under former Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti as he was always a bit shackled with the defensive workload. Under Jupp Heynckes, however, he has often been paired up alongside James Rodriguez in the midfield. With the defensive cover of Javi Martinez, Vidal and James have been able to work exceptionally well together in tandem.
The 30-year old has contributed six goals and two assists so far this season and could make the Man United midfield much more fluid with his ability. A strong passer and a tough tackler, Vidal has everything you’d aspire from a box to box midfielder.
Jose Mourinho prefers the 4-2-3-1 setup, though, and that could be a problem. Vidal isn’t an out and out number 10, so Jose will either have to change his setup to a more proactive 4-1-4-1 with Pogba and Vidal as the two attacking midfielders or sacrifice Pogba for the partnership of Vidal and Matic.
What is certain is Mourinho will have plenty of options of United do end up signing the Chilean.
