Does it really Mata that Juan moves to Manchester United?

Oscar and Juan Mata

If we are to go by the recent rumours, Manchester United are trying to seal the deal for Chelsea star Juan Mata. Mata has fallen behind the pecking order under Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho who prefers to play Oscar and Hazard instead of the talented Spaniard. Mata has started only 11 games so far for the blues and played full 90′ only on two occasions. Such has been the situation for the man who was once a part of the Real Madrid Castilla and later moved on to become the most impressive player for Valencia.

Mata arrived at Stamford Bridge for €30 million during the summer of 2011 since Valencia were facing a financial crisis. In the three seasons with Chelsea, Mata was a regular first team player and had contributed hugely to the club’s progress under both Andre Villas Boas as well as Roberto Di Matteo. The arrival of Oscar and Hazard did not do much of a change for him in the first year but Mourinho promoted Oscar in place of Mata for most of the games. As a matter of fact, Mata is the winner of the clubs player of the year title for two consecutive years.

Why Oscar over Mata?

Having a players of Mata’s calibre in the bench should have strong justifications, and these are very hard to find considering the amount of perfection and attacking flair that Mata offers to the side. His overall contribution to Chelsea and the Spanish National team have been brilliant. If we to break it up into more granular level, his attacking contribution is the one which stands apart. Right from the wide array of passing, close control, ability to get past defenders and his accuracy during dead ball situations. If he is so brilliant when it comes to attacking, why Oscar?

If you see the stats, Mata has the edge over Oscar in both the seasons when it comes to attack. More chances created and more impact while going forward. The only advantage that Oscar has over Mata is that he is slightly better when it comes to his defensive duties. Oscar tracks back well and provides assistance to his midfielders and can start the attack from the deep. While Mata is slower when it comes to tracking back and defending.

This is just one of the reasons that we “suspect”, which has urged Mou to sell Mata. Also, the trio of Oscar, Hazard and Schurrle have offered a lot of pace and depth to the Chelsea attack this season. The arrival of Willian and the ease with which he has settled in may also have a reason as to why Mata’s role is limited with the blues. Above all, its Mou, the man who will give importance to his own preference over anybody else.

Situation at Old Trafford

What if Mata does move to Manchester United? Where will Moyes play him? They already have Kagawa and Rooney who are similar players and one of them is already playing out of position. How will Mata fit in? There are just loads and loads of question marks to this move already. This was almost similar to what Arsenal faced when the signed Ozil, out of the blue. They had Cazorla, whose style of play was similar to that of Ozil and still Wenger was able to make the most of the duo. Can we expect the same from United?

What we suspect is that, Moyes may bring a change to the style of United’s game play from their traditional flank attack to anarrower and cut in from the flank. United are known to attack from the flanks and have seen many wingers contributing to their glory, right from Kanchelskis, Beckham and Giggs to Ashley Young, Nani and Antonio Valencia, all of them who seem to have lost their way since the past two years.

Moyes can opt to play Mata, Kagawa and Rooney in a 4-2-3-1 formation with the advantage being the versatility of the players and their ability to switch positions among themselves and be brought down the opposition. This would be similar to what Moyes did at Everton. He played Pienaar and Mirallas in the wing, who used to cut inside and Fellaini who supported from the midfield. We can also say that Rooney’s position will become a complete one which would see him at a less advanced position and help the team when it comes to defending. As a part of this transition, we have already seen Wilfried Zaha go on loan to Cardiff. We can also expect Moyes to cut down the wingers in the squad which would in turn help in concentrating in the key area that United need to reinforce, the midfield.

Mata Heat Map and Positional Play (Matches played in the previous season)

Verdict

Considering the versatility and the amount of talent that Mata has, he would slot in perfectly in an advanced role from the wing. If Moyes decision is to transform the sides attacking outlook then this move would facilitate the same. Also, this is a major morale booster for players, staff and the fans, considering Mata is the first high profile and established player to be signed by Moyes who can add value to the team. The expectations are sky high on both Mata and Moyes to deliver the goods as United try to secure at least a fourth place finish by the end of this season.