Paul Merson compares Manchester United signing Juan Mata to James Milner

Juan Mata

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has labelled Manchester United’s move for Juan Mata as a “desperate” signing in his column for the Daily Star. He continued by suggesting that Mata will not fit into the Manchester United system and that the Mata deal should be compared with Manchester City’s 2010 signing of James Milner rather than Arsenal’s move for Mesut Ozil.

“Spending almost £40m on him smacks of real desperation to make a big signing,” opened Merson.

“I think he’s a great player, but he’s not what United need at all.

They are crying out for a world-class central midfielder who is going to dictate and run a game – and they have bought a luxury player instead.”

Many United fans will be hoping that Mata can have a similar impact at his new club to the Premier League’s last big money signing – Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil – but Merson disagreed, comparing him to a big money signing of a slightly different ilk.

“This is the biggest transfer since Mesut Ozil went to Arsenal, but the similarities end there,” said the Sky pundit.

“Ozil suited Arsenal. He could step in and play straight away in his best position. He fits there. With Mata, I just don’t see it.”

“It’s more like when Manchester City paid big money for James Milner and then thought, ‘Hang on, where are we actually going to play him?’”

Merson continued by claiming that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has used the Mata deal to engage in some mind games with United by suggesting that they aren’t a rival.

“There is a reason Mata is not playing for Chelsea. Jose Mourinho doesn’t think he plays quick enough or does enough hard work.”

“It’s almost as if Jose is sending United a message – and it’s quite a disrespectful one if you ask me. ‘The Special One’ is saying, ‘We’re not worried about you. You are not a threat to us’.”

“And at the same time, he’s saying to Mata, ‘Go then. You can’t hurt me there’.

The former Arsenal midfielder continued by suggesting that Mata does not fit into the United system and that they will end up sacrificing one of their stars in order to accommodate him.

“Mata can’t play on the wing in a four-man midfield – he doesn’t track back and do enough defensively for that role,” said Merson.

You could push Rooney out wide and play Mata behind Robin van Persie in a 4-4-1-1. But Rooney doesn’t want to play there. If United get a world-class midfielder in this window, they could change their shape to accommodate Mata and play a 4-3-3. But then Adnan Januzaj has to sit out – and he’s been their best player. I just think it causes them a problem.”

Mata has a pass accuracy of 88% this season – of Man United’s midfield players only Tom Cleverley scores higher (90%).