When Manchester United pulled off the rather remarkable signing of Juan Mata from Chelsea, it struck many as the start of a new era for the club. David Moyes had previously signed Marouane Fellaini from his ex-club, Everton, but the big Belgian had failed to fit in at Old Trafford.
Moyes’ move for Mata was a significant step up: it was evidence that he was stepping out of his comfort zone and attracting the kind of players necessary to add a bit of creative flair to The Red Devil’s stilted midfield.
He had to convince Jose Mourinho to sell to a rival club and Juan Mata that Manchester United were still a club capable of competing for silverware. It can’t have been an easy period of negotiations, even for a club with as much financial prowess as Manchester United. In the end, however, they got their man, having spent around £37.1m.
Cue: fans rejoicing, parties in the street and pundits losing their collective minds. The Red Devils began to dream again.
Unfortunately, Juan Mata has struggled to make a mark at Old Trafford. Apart from the occasional stand-out performance, he has been a player on the periphery of things. This strikes me as a little odd. He has bag-loads of Premier League experience and performed week-in, week-out for The Blues. Why can’t he do it with a Manchester United shirt on?
I’m also made a little nervous by Jose Mourinho’s willingness to sell him in the first place. If he really is the top talent that most consider him to be, then why would a smart man like Jose let him go? It’s not like Chelsea are in a position where they have to sell players.
This brings me to The Express‘ claim that Barcelona’s new boss Luis Enrique is preparing a startling £40m bid for Juan Mata this summer. They also suggest that Louis Van Gaal is willing to listen to offers.
I’m sure this is all just nonsense from The Press, but I can’t help but wonder if it would make sense for Manchester United to make a clean break. Louis Van Gaal will want to come in and build a team in his image. Juan Mata may, or may not be a part of this.
Either way, if a £40m bid were to come in, it would give the Manchester United hierarchy pause for thought. They simply can’t afford to let expensive players like Mata exude mediocrity next season. If that means selling him and bringing in a replacement, then so be it.
What’s your take? Could Manchester United really be prepared to let Mata go? Would £40m represent his market worth?
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mata is creative but very lazy he does not find the lost ball so 40m can bring in Fabregss, koke, kroos, or shaw. come on reds take the bait
Erm… struggled to make his mark? Have you been stoned throughout 2014?
He took an adeqaute amount of time fitting into a new team, considering the fact that he spent months on the bench at Chelsea, and then a number of weeks being played out of position (on the right wing) his first couple of months at United. I hope you realize that he finished the season with 6 goals and 2 assists in his last 6 games.
They shouldn’t even think of selling mata cus I see him as d only good signing we made last season Considering d difficult task b4 us signing our present targets do 2 champions league absence. We need talented players not 2 sell d one we hv cus odas mite not b willing 2 come
man utd will be very foolish to sell juan mata.he is very talented with a very high experience.he is very good in creating pass and he has a very sharp sight.
the fact that barca is willing to pay 40m justifies wat quality a player he is.bottom line is manutd shdnt sale mata.
Considering he joined mid season, joined a team lacking form and confidence, he has played really well.
Harry think someone should take your pen off you and replace it with crayons!!!. He was our best player for the last 6-7 games, and started showing the form that won him chelsea player of the season for 2 years running. Can you tell me when there’s nothing to write about why journalist make up crap and write rubbish????.
Don’t sell mata van gaal because he perform well that’s why he will win many trophies next season with a good combination with rooney and van persie