Manchester United have been strongly linked with a bid in excess of £30 million pounds for Chelsea outcast Juan Mata.
The Spaniard is reportedly the man that tops United manager David Moyes wanted list and despite reports United won’t be forced into panic buys, the hammering by Chelsea at the weekend is sure to have plenty at Old Trafford worried.
Mata has struggled to adapt to life under returning manager Jose Mourinho and was visibly upset with the decision to substitute him against Southampton, although some will argue the decision was vindicated as Oscar went on to inspire the Blues to win 3-0.
He has regularly been overlooked this season, despite being voted Chelsea’s player of the year at the club over the last two seasons, Mourinho’s preferred option at number 10 Oscar has had a great season thus far.
Juan Mata frustrated with limited game time
The Chelsea man has cut a frustrated figure at times and it is understood the midfielder does now want to go. Mata hasn’t made an appearance for Chelsea since the Saints game and he is understood to be worried about the lack of playing time ahead of this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
Mourinho has made it clear that he wants the player as part of his squad as they fight on three fronts in the new year and he has also previously stated he would be reluctant to sell to a major rival. However having played United twice already and with Sunday’s victory all but knocking United out of the title race Mourinho may well sell to the struggling Champions.
It is believed that the mooted bid of £37 million could persuade Chelsea to sell, time is imperative as it could also give Mourinho enough time to venture into the market to find a replacement before the close of the window on January 31st.
Two other interesting sub plots regarding this deal are that United still have to face Arsenal away and City and Liverpool at Old Trafford. These games could be decisive in Mourinho’s tilt for the title and if a Mata led United could defeat these teams it could well go some way to returning the Premier League to Stamford Bridge.
Juan Mata for Wayne Rooney?
There is also the question of Wayne Rooney, if the striker did decide to leave United in the summer the selling of Mata could ease negotiations between Mourinho and the United chiefs. Mourinho is a known admirer of Rooney and his comments about the England striker have struck a nerve with Moyes and the club’s hierarchy, the selling of Mata could prove to be a successful long ball tactic.
While it pains me to see Mata on the bench, I don’t think he will be sold. Now is the biggest part of our season, making up the ground and getting ahead. We can’t win 3 competitions with 4 players (Schurrle, Hazard, Willian, Oscar) in 3 positions, and with KDB being sold I think this solidifies Mata’s place ever more.