Wishful thinking provided a host of Manchester United fans with a moments delirium on Wednesday as they misread a headline announcing the signing of Arturo Vidal.
Louis Van Gaal’s side have been linked with the Juventus and Chile playmaker for a couple of seasons now and it appeared the chase was finally over when an article appeared on United’s website two days ago.
However the headline actually read ‘Vital signs for Van Gaal’s United’; only a letters difference but a world apart for disheartened fans who soon recognised their mistake.
FALSE DAWN: The United website’s headline fooled fans.
Unfortunately for United’s hopeful fans the article actually covered a recent interview with United legend Paddy Crerand, who made 304 appearances for the club in the 60’s and 70’s.
One Twitter user, @RaviVarghese, said: “My heart just stopped there for a second. “Vital signs for van Gaal’s Reds.” Oh. Vital. Not Vidal.”
My heart just stopped for a second. “Vital signs for van Gaal’s Reds.” http://t.co/1jr05Ap27B Oh. Vital. Not Vidal. @BeardedGenius
— Ravi Varghese (@RaviVarghese) November 6, 2014
Another, @KyleQuinn10, took to the social media site to mock fans.
He said: “Anyone who read that “Vital Signs For United” headline on the club website and thought we signed Vidal is a complete tube!”
Anyone who read that “Vital Signs For United” headline on the club website and thought we signed Vidal is a complete tube!
— Kyle Quinn (@KyleQuinn10) November 6, 2014
Following a long running transfer saga, Van Gaal seems to have finally put to an end the chase for Vidal after bringing in Angel di Maria, Daley Blind and Ander Herrera this summer.
Juventus chief executive Beppe Marotta has also spoken out to explain the reasons behind the collapse of the Old Trafford club’s interest in the Chilean.
“His injury influenced his departure and even now he doesn’t have the best physical condition,” he said.
“For our part, however, there is a clear desire to keep him because we extended his contract.”
The midfielder would, without doubt, have been a welcome addition for many fans after United’s dismal start to the season under new boss Van Gaal.
The club have made their worst start since the 1986/87 season and are four points worse off thanthey were at this stage last year.
However, it appears that the £40 million midfielder will now remain in Italy for the forseeable future.
Main image courtesy of WikiCommons, with thanks.
