Jose Mourinho Sees Arturo Vidal as 'Standout' Option in Hunt for New Midfielder

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho considers Bayern Munich star Arturo Vidal as the "standout candidate" among the club's targets this summer as they look to reinforce their midfield. 

According to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News, with Michael Carrick retiring at the end of the season, Mourinho has sent his scouts around the world in search of a player who could be similarly effective and help United dominate matches.

To that end, Vidal is being considered alongside Marco Verratti, Jean Michael Seri, Fred, Jorginho and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Chile international's top-level pedigree at Juventus and Bayern sets him apart in the coach's eyes, and the biggest obstacle to his signature will be whether he is open to leaving Munich this summer.

Leon Goretzka is set to join the Bavarian outfit, and Vidal is unsure whether he will remain at the club.

"I know Goretzka will arrive at the club, but I don't know where he will be playing," Vidal told Kicker earlier in March (h/t Metro's Tom Olver). "As for my future, I don't know if I will leave or sign a contract extension with the club. We've taken the right path anyway."

Football writer Liam Canning believes United would be wise to reinforce in midfield this summer:

The Red Devils' options will be limited with Carrick gone and Marouane Fellaini expected to depart. Scott McTominay is only 21, and Ander Herrera's form has dipped significantly this season.

Vidal played with Paul Pogba for three years at Juventus, with whom the pair both excelled, so he could be a useful foil for the France international once again.

He's a superb all-rounder, capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch. 

According to Squawka, he has scored six goals in 22 Bundesliga appearances this season and assisted twice, having created 26 chances. Vidal has also won 51 tackles and completed 31 interceptions.

WhoScored.com shared an example of his ball-winning capability:

His work ethic and energy would allow him to aid Nemanja Matic in protecting United's defence, and he's also capable of supporting attacks in the final third.

Vidal is set to win his third Bundesliga title in as many years with Bayern, having won Serie A in all four seasons he spent at Juventus, so he could be open to a new challenge.

He will turn 31 in May, but if he can be brought in at a reasonable price, he could be a shrewd addition at Old Trafford, even if he would likely be a short-term solution.