Jose Mourinho is the kind of manager who likes to stamp his mark on a club. He’s not a wishy-washy individual and he’s always been prepared to make decisions that may hurt his colleague’s feelings, even if those decisions clash with popular opinion. He doesn’t seem to care much for reputation either.
This surely explains why Juan Mata has been put out into the cold this season. The Spaniard has made just 17 appearances this season (only contributing 1 goal and 3 assists). This must be highly frustrating for a player who has received Chelsea’s Player of the Season award twice in the last two years.
Over the last couple of years, he’s proven himself to be one of the best midfielders in the world. He may be little, but he’s got a low sense of gravity, great touch and control, the ability to find space on the ball and the nous to pull off a game-changing pass.
His quick, incisive passing was so effective last year, that it’s difficult to believe he’s not getting the time of day this season. I can’t help but chalk this down to an arbitrary decision on the part of Jose Mourinho. Limiting Juan Mata’s game-time this season was his way of making a statement and it could well come back to bite him before the end of the season.
Naturally, it’s led to a lot of speculation regarding Mata’s future. Jose Mourinho has even hinted that he’d be willing to let Mata move on if necessary. Check out these quotes: “I want to keep him. I want to keep him. I don’t want him to go. That’s my opinion, my wish. But my door is open and the club’s door is open too. When a player wants to speak with us we are there waiting.” (Source: The Mirror)
This, in turn, has led to suggestions that Manchester United could make a move for the talented Spaniard. He’d certainly represent a massive step up on The Red Devil’s current crop.
With United struggling to offer any real cut and thrust through their midfield, a move for Mata would be an excellent decision. But it remains to be seen whether Chelsea would be willing to sell to a rival and whether Manchester United have enough cash to make a deal happen.
David Moyes and co. will have to spend big to get their man. As such, it’s more likely that Mata will end up moving to a foreign League. But that won’t stop me from keeping my fingers crossed.
What’s your take? Can Manchester United compete for Juan Mata?
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yes
10 million+Rooney and you might get him