Monday, 27 January 2014
Can Mata solve Manchester United's matter?
The deal that took Juan Mata to Manchester United was finally
confirmed by the club on Sunday. The amount was 37.1 million pounds.
Much have made by the transfer especially in the light of the saying
that a tree does not make a forest. None does the purchase covers the
ineptitude of Manchester United's transfer activities in the summer
where they lost out on several targets including Thiago Alcantara who
settled for Bayern Munich because of the swaying of Pep Guardiola. And
buying Mauroune Fellani higher than the price in his release clause
after that expired.
Yet, the question now is can Mata revive the dwindling fortunes of the
Theatre of Dreams?
First, he has just 16 games to play before the season ends which is in
the league as, Man United are out of the FA Cup and Capital One cup.
And he is ineligible for the Champions league as he featured for
Chelsea earlier in the season.
Then there is the issue of fitting him into the present United lineup.
Presently Wayne Rooney currently feature in the role Mata is most
effective in. The 'No 10 role' behind the striker. And Kagawa can also
play same role, but he has largely been ineffective this season when
featured there. The young kid on the block Adnaj Januzaj plays there
too. Or will Mata settle for a place on the wings?
There is a likelihood that David Moyes will settle for a front three
of Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata with the latter
playing behind the two strikers.
Then the balance of the midfield comes into play. Who plays in the
midfield and wings? Will Moyes stick to Kagawa, Ashley Young, Welbeck,
Januzaj on the wings?
Of concern to Moyes will be retaining some measure of defensive
balance in midfield as his team have been poor on that front so far
this season.
Which leaves key roles for the injured Micheal Carrick and even the
much maligned Mauroune Felliani. And Phil Jones who can also play
there.
There is no doubt that Mata's purchase can galvanize the players into
reviving the club's fortunes in the league. As he already knows the
league, and comes with a rich CV of copious assist and goals. Should
he hit the ground running, then many would be drooling about the
club's prospects in the coming months which will definitely lift the
pressure off David Moyes. As he has promised that the club will look
to bring in more players during the summer transfer window.
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