Even the biggest fan of Juan Mata would have to say that his future is not certain. For all his talents – great first touch and spacial awareness being chief amongst them – some critics don’t quite know what his speciality is.
The 45m Euro signing certainly doesn’t have the influence of Wayne Rooney – although his goal scoring record is good he tends to flit in and out of games rather than taking them by the scruff of the neck – and with Radamel Falcao and RvP looking set to take the centre forward roles at Manchester United this season Wazza looks to be at the head of the queue for the number 10 role at the sharp end of a midfield diamond.
With Rooney now suspended Mata will take his place for three games at least. Injuries to others may further improve his chances. But Mata is not someone who is going to be prepared to sit on the bench for too long. If he can make it through this season and United reach the Champions League then he may have a future in a big squad at the club.
But rumours persist that he may be the latest to be culled in LvG’s revolution.
The Guardian reports:
With Juan Mata no longer guaranteed a starting berth at Manchester United following the arrival of Ángel Di María, Ander Herrera and Radamel Falcao at Old Trafford, speculation linking him with a move to his old stomping ground of Valencia at some point during the next transfer window is quietly simmering on the hob of transfer chat.
We like Juan Mata but we certainly wouldn’t have him in the team ahead of RvP, Falcao or Rooney. He lacks the dynamism to really dominate games and can go missing. But, with RvP perhaps not guaranteed a starting place after this season (he will be 32 come next August) then Mata may wish to persist with Manchester United and hope that he can find a more permanent role in the side next term.
Because, at the moment, he’s in danger of becoming little more than a very expensive translator for the other Spanish speaking newcomers in the squad.
Manchester United fans: does Mata get in your strongest starting XI?
Lameck sebastian
Sep 30, 2014 at 4:50 am
Van gaal bring for us shone of ajax
lununcle
Sep 30, 2014 at 5:18 am
I can’t see LVG plays Rooney, Falcao and RVP week in and week out. Having said this, Rooney’s best position is forward and he should stay there for the time being. Mata is a typical no.10 man and he plays well behind the forward. 422 is probably te best formation for Man U given who we have right now.