Manchester United have turned towards Barcelona’s experienced midfielder Arturo Vidal to help solve their midfield woes, as per reports.
The 32-year-old midfielder has been with the Catalan giants since last summer, but could leave the club if he does not get regular opportunities.
As per FCInterNews, the Red Devils have reportedly contacted Vidal’s agent over a possible move in the January transfer window.
The report further states that the English club could sign the Chilean for just around £13 million. Vidal’s contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2021.
Since signing from Bayern Munich, Vidal has played 67 times for the club, scoring 7 times and creating 8 assists for Barcelona. He recently revealed that he would re-evaluate his options in January if he does not get enough game time by December.
Why Arturo Vidal is exactly what Manchester United
Vidal has played for three of the biggest clubs in Europe – Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Juventus, while also being a key player for the Chilean national team.
The 32-year-old is a hard-working, box-to-box midfielder, who can tackle, press, move forward with the ball, as well as create chances for his teammates.
He is an all-round midfielder who can flourish in more than one role in midfield, and can be the engine room of the team.
Vidal has the experience and quality that is desperately needed in the United midfield, which has lacked quality due to the injury of Paul Pogba, as well as the poor quality players that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has at his disposal.
The former Leverkusen man can be a solid player in a midfield two or midfield three, while also being capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or central midfielder. His energy, determination, and technique could help United be a stronger force in the middle of the park, which has been a worry for them this season.
At 32 years of age, Vidal may not be a long-term option for Solskjaer and United, but he will surely be a good short-term option in midfield for them. He could do well in a midfield three of Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay, which will also allow Paul Pogba to have a freer role, when he eventually returns from his injury layoff.