There are so many variables and so many uncertainties in football that it’s regularly impossible to predict. And that is of course why we love it.
But one thing that we feel almost certain about is that Juan Mata will be leaving Manchester United within the next year. Not because he isn’t good enough for the squad – this is a technically astute footballer who has a lovely touch.
But it makes little to no sense to leave such an expensive signing on the bench and it’s really difficult to see where Mata will fit into this Manchester United side going forward. Even his biggest admirers amongst the Manchester United faithful seem to struggle to find a place for him in the starting 11.
The problem is that, unless you throw him into central midfield in the Paul Scholes role (a theory that we have suggested several times but one which neither Moyes nor Van Gaal seems prepared to try), he only has one position in the side. That is at number 10. He doesn’t have the athleticism or pace to play on either side of the diamond or wide in a 4-2-3-1 – that’s why Jose got rid of him.
And, although Wayne Rooney is not unanimously loved by Manchester United fans, would any of you really put Mata in the side at number 10 ahead of Wazza? Very few if any would because Rooney is stronger, faster, more adaptable, and gets back to help out his defence. He’s also far better when his team doesn’t have the ball.
Mata, on the other hand, tends to go missing even against the lesser opponents. Can you remember anything good that he did against Everton or West Brom? All we remember is him chasing the ball in vain.
He’s got 8 goals in 21 games for Manchester United – a really good scoring record – but he’s just too much of a passenger, too much of the time. Mata needs a team built around him because his qualities don’t include adaptability or athleticism.
It’s a shame to speak of such a top lad this way. But can you really imagine Mata becoming a legend at Old Trafford? We would be gobsmacked if he did from this position. He’s a tidy player but not worth anything like the 47m Euros (£37m) that Moyes paid for him.
Manchester United fans: have we underestimated the lad?
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Oct 25, 2014 at 2:47 pm
Rooney is not sort of liked by united fans. He’s loved and praised by true united and football fans who know his ability is world class. its a few English media idiots who love heaping blame on wazza for no reason. 4th on the world goals and assists list. One of England’s and United’s top goal scorers and yet you all still have issues. All those who don’t see his world class ability are blind morons. Go watch cricket idiots