The addition of Juan Mata to Manchester United would have a huge impact on the Premier league this season.
Arsene Wenger’s reaction says it all. Earlier The Guardian reported:
Asked if he was surprised, Wenger said: “Yes I am because Juan Mata is a great player and they sell a great player to a direct opponent.”
Wenger does note, however, the timing of the move with Mata now unable to affect Chelsea directly this season as they have already played United twice in the Premier League.
In one fell swoop Manchester United have given themselves a far better chance of getting into the top four. They have also reduced the chances of Liverpool or Arsenal doing so. So it’s not only the Chelsea fans who will be groaning about the transfer of Mata.
For our money, this gives Manchester United 5 world class talents in their pomp. Any team with 5 world class players should be challenging for titles.
A few caveats. Phil Jones could one day be world class but isn’t yet. Also, we are massive fans of Micheal Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra – Rio and Evra in particular, were world class in their pomp – but, at 32,32 and 34 respectively, they don’t represent the future of United. So they miss out.
David De Gea: After the performance against Sunderland many will disagree with the idea that De Gea is world class. But, apart from that clanger, he has been almost faultless this season. He has developed physically and come on leaps and bounds as a player. For us he is easily the best keeper in the Premier league right now. Manchester United may struggle to hold onto him.
Rafael da Silva: Still makes a few mistakes here and there. Can still be very hot tempered to boot. But, in terms of natural attributes, we can’t see many better right backs in European football. He’s lightning fast, tenacious as they come, great with the ball and loves to get forward. Rafa is a born winner and he would be our dream team right back all day. The rumours of him leaving are either ridiculous or disastrous for Manchester United.
Juan Mata: Manchester United fans have a fantastic present to unwrap over the next few months. After a terrible season what better boost than to get a world class signing in January? Whichever way we look at it, it’s a better piece of business for United than Chelsea.
RvP: This season has left many to worry that the last two years of injury free football were the exception to the rule with RvP. Niggling injuries have once again blighted his season. But we think he will get back to his best soon.
Wayne Rooney: 28 – in his prime – talismanic class.
Manchester United fans. Do you agree that the club now has a super nucleus of players to take them forward?
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pete Borota
Jan 23, 2014 at 11:31 pm
LOL, Seriously,
Rafael???,
De Gea, good keeper, world class??, RVP if he stays fit. The only one of world class status is Rooney.