Is Mata Coming To An End At Manchester United?

By Kumar Saurabh
10 years Ago

Mata is too good a player to only warm the bench

Half way through David Moyesai??i?? disastrous spell at Manchester United, Ed Woodward and co dug deep and paidAi??A?37.1 million to land Chelseaai??i??s star yet out of favour play-maker Juan Mata. His arrival was deemed to be the turning point of David Moyesai??i?? reign at Old Trafford with the United faithful pinning their hopes on the Spaniard for turning the season around.

But close to finishing a year with United, Juan Mata has failed to consolidate his position in the team and is yet to make an impact at Old Trafford. Fans have criticized him, pundits have condemned his performances and the new manager has dropped him from his preferred starting eleven.

So the question that is on everyoneai??i??s mind is whether there is any room for Juan Mata at Manchester United?

A preferred playmaker, Juan Mata likes to deployed just behind the striker in a position where he can control the teamai??i??s attack. He flourished in this role at Chelsea and was perhaps the most influential player at the club. But the arrival of Jose Mourinho saw the Spaniard relegated and he was eventually sold to United who welcomed him with much fanfare.

At Manchester United Juan Mata encountered the phenomenon that is Wayne Rooney. The English captain is Manchester Unitedai??i??s No 10 and flourishes in his role just behind the striker. Though a natural striker, Rooney played just behind Robin Van Persie during his time under Ferguson and Moyes and has claimed that position as his own. Hence Mata, despite all his brilliance and technical ability, was never allowed the chance to play in his desired position due to the presence of Wayne Rooney.

Subsequently the arrival of Louis Van Gaal saw big names such as Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao come to Old Trafford. These two superstars were accompanied by Ander Herrera and Daley Blind who joined United earlier this summer. The presence of these players coupled with Van Gaalai??i??s formation has further complicated Mataai??i??s position in the United squad.

Van Gaal prefers to play two strikers up front and this formation would have suited Mata as it would allow him to slip behind Van Persie and Rooney in his preferred role. However the arrival of Radamel Falcao has pushed Rooney back into the No 10 role and his anointment as the teamai??i??s captain has consolidated his position beyond much doubt. So where does that leave Juan Mata?

Lets take a look

4-4-2

Playing four defenders at the back, there are 4 midfield options up for grabs. Barring any injuires, Robin Van Persie and Falcao are expected to lead the attack for United upfront. Daley Blind is expected to slot into the defensive midfielder role the moment he is fit with Rooney playing right behind the strikers. The left central midfield is undoubtedly going to be Di Mariaai??i??s who has been electrifying for Manchester United in his short time with the club. Which leaves one more spot available, which will eventually be fought over by Fellaini, Herrera, Mata and Janujaz. This position is not Mataai??i??s preferred position on the pitch and Van Gaal is likely to deploy Herrera in that role, with Janujaz coming in as a powerful substitute.

No room for Mata in this position? At least not when everyoneai??i??s fit.

4-3-3

With the same back line, this formation will accommodate either Robin Van Persie or Falcao as the lone striker up front. With Di Maria playing on the left wing and Blind playing as a defensive midfielder, this formation has three spots open for contention-two central midfielders and one winger.

Rooney is likely to play as one of the central midfielders and with Fellaini reaching his top form in the red jersey, he is expected to partner the United captain in the midfield. This leaves Mata on the wide right, a position which he will have to share with Janujaz. Again, playing on the wing is not Mataai??i??s preferred position though he could make place for himself beside Rooney if he can impress Van Gaal and make a stronger impact than Fellaini and Herrera.

The Good Old 3-5-2

It is unlikely that Van Gaal will return to this position at Old Trafford. Just the number of defenders United have injure don their roster makes this position impossible. However if all the defenders were to be fit, there are again 3 midfield positions available for Juan Mata. But captain Rooney is going to shift in behind Van Persie and Falcao and Blind and Fellaini are expected to play in the central midfield as the two offer better defensive options than the Spaniard.

So where does that leave Juan Mata?

Unfortunately for the Spaniard, his current position in the United squad is in a precarious position. The hefty price tag does not help his case, neither does the fact that he seems to go missing for long periods of time.Ai?? Unitedai??i??s legendary midfielder Paul Scholes also admitted that the Spaniard went missing in the big game against Chelsea and will have to step up his game if he wants to stay at Manchester United.

And if he doesnai??i??t justify his place, expect the Spaniard to seek better shores. Perhaps a move back to Spain?

Categories: English Premier League, Features, Manchester United, News
Tags: Juan Mata Manchester United

4-4-2

4-3-3

The Good Old 3-5-2

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