Juan Mata: The chosen Juan for Manchester United

Manchester United have announced the arrival of Spanish midfielder Juan Mata (25), from London rivals Chelsea. The player flew to United’s Carrington training complex on Saturday and his arrival was seen as a huge sigh of relief to United’s creative conundrum. Mata has been an integral part of Chelsea’s midfield over the years, though has hardly been used by Jose Mourinho, who has staunchly relied on Hazard, Oscar and summer purchase Willian for attacking roles.

United are believed to have paid a sum around £37 million for the Spaniard and some could argue it to be a panic buy. But is he really? He’s been at the heart of Chelsea’s midfield engine the last few seasons and his creative skills need no introduction, he’s definitely a marquee signing for United and could possibly help them in their push for the Champions League spot, which would play a crucial part in attracting talented reinforcements in the summer.

Being at a top club one could never say it’s enough talent to choose from, albeit Mata’s arrival means more pressure on the likes of Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverly who have been pretty average for United’s standards and much more on the youth’s like Jesse Lingard and Nick Powell. Kagawa being brought in to solve United’s midfield puzzle hasn’t been able to live up to expectations, but in his defense he’s never had the luxury of flamboyant passers like that at his previous employers Dortmund to play his natural game.

Tom Cleverley (24) when he broke into United’s first team ranks, arriving from his loan move at Wigan was a then fan favorite to start every match, that’s no more his situation after failing to impress creatively and offensively, nor showing any signs of any unrealized potential he might ever reach, he’s got an immense challenge to prove if he’s of any use to United anymore.

With Mata coming into the picture, it sparks off an interesting debate of United’s possible change in formation, with the winger’s horrendous performance continues, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are proving to be more of a liability than an Asset to United’s style of play. So should United really ditch the traditional 4-4-2 and go for more midfield oriented style? United fans would indubitably love the team keeping more of the ball, who have been naively letting the opponents having a go at them. United’s intention in buying Mata shows assertiveness that, playing style could possibly see a change in this post Sir Alex era.

Manchester United have been knocked off the domestic Cup competitions of FA and Capital One cup, albeit on its positive note it gives United a chance to concentrate on their League Standings and have an intrepid go in Europe. Mata comes as a much needed creativity aid and a possible revival after a dreadful start of United’s campaign. He could be asked to help structure central midfield area which still needs a proper partnership to develop but, there are also chances of Mata being used as a left winger, switching Januzaj on the right wing and two central midfielders to make up United’s midfield.

That would be a shame to be honest, with Kagawa’s talents already wasted on the wings, hopefully Moyes will play him in his proper position for much effectiveness in creative tearms, or maybe Mata and Kagawa could switch places in the game, whatever the plan Moyes has indeed addressed the creative issue and has signed an experienced and resourceful player, to save what’s left of United season.

Furthermore, Manchester United have begun talks with Wayne Rooney camp on a possible contract extension, It is rumored that Wayne would be offered a whopping 300,000 a week contact of four years, to lure him away from Chelsea’s constant interest in the player. While the club’s hunt for a replacement of ageing left back Patrice Evra is in force, with a £22 million bid being put on the table for Southampton’s teenage sensation Luke Shaw.