Manchester United Transfer News: Arturo Vidal Fallout Addressed by Juventus

Massimiliano Allegri has played down speculation that Arturo Vidal wishes to leave Juventus after receiving a record fine for his involvement in an alleged bar fight.

The Juve boss acknowledged Vidal's situation during an interview with Corriere della Sera, reported by Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia:

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He was benched against Roma because, with the return of Pirlo, I needed a more tactical player, Marchisio. The nights out? Every now and then, the players do some stupid things.

They have to understand when they can do that and that nowadays, with the cell phones, the photographers are everywhere. I’ve nothing to say from the practicing and the intensity standpoint about Arturo, or about the others. There is not a Vidal case.

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Interestingly, while the original Gazzetta dello Sport report (translated by 101 Great Goals) of Vidal's fight hinted he was dropped due to the incident, Allegri suggests this wasn't the case. His comments suggest the issue has now passed from his point of view, despite reports intensifying around Vidal's potential move to Manchester United.

Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC believes Vidal's sale could be used to fund another combative midfielder:

The Chilean midfielder continues to recover from the knee injury which has halted his progress in recent times. Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express writes Juventus will be willing to sell in January because Vidal is a "ticking time bomb."

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Reports during the summer indicated Louis van Gaal withheld his bid so he could monitor the player's fitness after the World Cup, in which he was plagued with problems. United's squad have suffered similar frustrations this season—despite many players returning to the line-up after the current international break, per the club's official website—so it makes sense for the Dutchman to act with caution.

Vidal possesses the natural quality to significantly improve United's midfield options. The Red Devils are struggling with a lack of physicality in the middle, despite Daley Blind's best efforts to shield an inexperienced defence. Ander Herrera is a pitbull, but the club still needs another sturdy frame to battle with the best.

Juve would be losing a player who can inject tempo and control. Vidal is capable of bursting forward in possession or laying the ball off before moving upfield, but he is also used to executing a more disciplined role ahead of the back four.

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He would certainly need to strike a balance at United, as Angel Di Maria currently enjoys something of a free role from the centre of the park.

News that Paul Pogba is set for contract talks in Turin could help United. His likely new deal is reported by Sky Sports, who suggest the Frenchman could ink a five-year agreement with the Italian champions. This would take the pressure off Vidal staying, as it's important at least one of the central midfield duo remains at the club beyond the end of the season.

Pogba is more valuable to Juventus from a long-term perspective and is well-placed to continue learning at the club. He has formed a world-class partnership with Vidal over the last couple of years, but should the latter star leave, Pogba will receive the opportunity to further highlight his importance to the team.

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Allegri's decision to palm off the significance of Vidal's benching is arguably the only route he could take right now. The Juve boss needs his player to be in the right mindset ahead of a busy winter schedule and won't want to upset a player who dictates so much of the side's positive play.

United would undoubtedly test the manager and board's resolve with a January bid, however, especially if Vidal's knee shows signs of wear.