Manchester United have reportedly enquired about the availability of Chelsea’s Juan Mata, a move that could potentially pave the way for Wayne Rooney to finally move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea insisted that Mata is not for sale after the Spanish player was linked with a player plus money swap for Rooney, but if they hope to sign Rooney it could depend on Mata’s movement.
It is believed that Jose Mourinho isn’t too keen with the attacker, named Chelsea’s player of the year last season, so a swap involving him with or without money added could finally see Chelsea get Rooney and United end their association with the striker after 9 years.
Miguel Delaney of ESPN claims sources from both clubs have confirmed United’s move for Mata to him, but insists that United’s move is not necessarily linked with Chelsea’s interest in Rooney:
“It is unknown at this point whether the contact has been part of the ongoing Wayne Rooney saga, or whether the English champions would be open to a long-mooted straight swap between the players, just that their interest has been piqued and they believe a deal could be possible.”
Whilst an extremely talented player, the signing of Mata would not address any of the problems United’s team currently have. Overloaded with players in attacking positions, if coupled with Rooney’s departure, the 25 year old’s arrival could spell trouble for Shinji Kagawa who would preferably occupy the #10 position that Rooney does.
A quality player nonetheless, is Mata the star signing that Moyes seeks before finally agreeing to let Rooney go as The Daily Mirror claimed yesterday? It would not only mean United backing down from their summer long stance that Rooney is not for sale, but potentially handing rivals Chelsea a title race changing player.
For me this is a transfer that David Moyes and Manchester United need to think over carefully because as it stands with Chelsea needing a striker, Rooney will make more of a difference to their season than Mata will to Manchester United’s.
United should snatch Chelsea’s hand off with this one. Mata would be fantastic at united, coupled with fellani they would be outstanding for united in the centre.
Imagine this:
De gea – goal
Ferdinand – cb
Vidic – cb
Evra – lb
Rafael – rb
Carrick – cm
Fellani – cm
Mata – amc
Ronaldo – aml
Kagawa – amr
Van persie – cf
To add, united love playing the forward diamond, so mata would drop deep to pick up and begin forward plays, p,us fellani would be breaking forward with ball.
Mouthwatering prospect. If ronaldo does sign as expected, teams would double up on him this would allow mata and kagawa a lot of space to interplay considering van persie will always be man marked.
This would mean teams would have to either risk 1 defender split between mata and kagawa – who can beat player or teams having to have either their right winger keep back or a dm who always stays back……….not only would it be super attacking but would also ensure the opposition has to play defensively, with mata being able to pick good assists even if teams camped back we would guarantee goals……
With Rooney yes he plays the odd killer flick etc. but he can’t beat anybody, he is now too static to fit into this type of formation.
And also to add as a further incentive to get mata, Barcelona will definitely want him next season, and we could then straight swap for fabregas.
Idiot. Why not have Messi, Bale and Neymar in there as well?
you do realise that Ronaldo now plays for Madrid!! pmsl
Why not stick Messi and Bale in there aswell?
Absolutely no question that bringing in Mata would offset the loss of Rooney. Mata is world class.
Blues needs rooney, mata shuld go willian is undergoing medical 2day.
What ever happens, happen, and we dont know whats gonna happen. Mata is great for chelsea yes, but what i cant understand is why hasnt hazard’s name been mentioned this whole transfer window. I personally think moyes should ask for hazard if he’s gonna let rooney go.
NO ! NO ! ….wrong midfielder OPTION!!!
…United ….It is MIKEL OBI…..NOT Mata!
united musnt sell rooney to chelsea………………though it would be great to hav mata at united………GGMU
if mata comes it wil only add 2 man u midfiled. But united really need at 2 holding midfilder like modric and felliaini. Thats all.
I hope mr moyes knows the best for manu
Is only coach knows the better player for his team…
Mr moyes jst sign mata,fellaini and modric dat ok 4 us