Manchester United Transfer News: Does not Mata who, just bring new player(s)?

Although not officially announced at this point, the arrival of Juan Mata from Chelsea has been dominating headlines for days – suggesting that the Spanish playmaker is on the verge of being the latest Red Devil. Is Mata’s signing even necessary, or is he just a statement signing?
Juan Mata’s best position has been always touted as ‘No 10’ although he can be used as winger (that drift in). With Wayne Rooney and Shinji Kagawa in the squad, Mata would seems to be ‘excess signings’ as even David Moyes’ first signing Marouane Fellaini was also seen to be a No 10. Looks like poor Kagawa has to make way yet again as David Moyes had already shown his inability to bring the best out of the two ‘No 10’ in the same starting XI.

Juan Mata, for all his creativity and ability as a playmaker does not actually suits David Moyes more defensive style of football. Moyes spend most of his time at Everton playing a more defensive style of football – he is known for that. As Jose Mourinhno suggested, Mata does not ‘do’ his defensive duties as effectively as expected and – he lacks pace as a winger. The lack of work rate from Mata is the worrying issue Moyes must address if he (Mata) is brought in.

But Juan Mata did not become Chelsea’s player of the year for two consecutive years without being outstanding. He is outstanding as a playmaker, has ability to score goals but the real biggest asset from Mata would be his assist – his ability to make key passes – something lacking from Manchester United’s team for years. His contribution had been vital for Chelsea in the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League wins in the last two seasons.

However the key point to singing Juan Mata may actually comes from the perspective of ‘needing fresh faces’. Just look at Arsenal and the signing of Mesut Ozil. Arsene Wenger has several players in the playmaker’s role and logic dictates that he does not need Ozil. But Arsenal had been trophyless for more than 7 seasons – they seem to fade every season despite playing attractive football and starting promisingly. Therefore many deemed Ozil’s signing as a statement signing. Yet Ozil’s arrival seems to has galvanise the whole Arsenal team – just looked at where they are now!

Therefore if Juan Mata joins his role can be seen more as ‘galvaniser’ – a Mesut Ozil type of role. Something Manchester United needed to salvage (whatever there is left to salvage) their horrendous season. The transition period has always been expected to be difficult but no one expect it to be such a ‘near-disaster’ so far (for United’s standard) – only signing has been flop so far, Old Trafford no longer a fortress, and records broken for the wrong reasons.

If Juan Mata does sign for Manchester United then David Moyes will had spend more than £50 million on two players – the first had been a flop (so far). In the end, Manchester United’s fans will make their own judgement on whether Mata is really necessary. His (Mata) on field performance will dictate how his signing will be perceive by fans. No doubt Mata is a class player but at best (given his reputation) he is now the statement signing needed by Moyes and the United’s hierarchy – given how horrendous United’s season had been so far.