Jose Mourinho might end up keeping Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini, and Daley Blind at Old Trafford despite the trio being heavily linked with a move away from Manchester United, if reports from the English media are to be believed.
Belgian midfielder Fellaini has often been booed by Manchester United fans for his poor performances for the club. The 28-year-old was thought to be on his way out of the club after Mourinho’s arrival, as the Portuguese manager was said to be on a mission to overhaul his current squad. Fellaini has been closely linked with a move to AS Roma, with the Serie A club reportedly offering around £12.5 million for the Belgian’s services.
Blind has been a regular starter for Manchester United last season, but had to operate as a centre-back in the absence of regular centre-back Phil Jones. However, the Dutchman has come in for some criticism due to his performances during a season when Manchester United failed to qualify for the top four. Barcelona have reportedly been linked with a move for the 26-year-old, as he would suit their requirement of a centre-back who is a good passer of the ball.
Mata’s case was thought to be a little different, as Mourinho had already sanctioned a £37.1 million move for the Spaniard from Chelsea to Manchester United back in 2014. Although Mata was one of the most influential creative players in Chelsea at that time, Mourinho was reportedly unimpressed with the Spaniard’s defensive work rate. The Spaniard has been linked with a move away from Manchester United ever since Mourinho joined as the manager of the club.
However, the Manchester United boss is now all set to retain these three players, according to a report in English newspaper Daily Mail.
Fellaini has a good physical presence, something that Mourinho wants to make use of when required. Also, the Portuguese has been impressed by Fellaini’s aggression, which is why he wants to keep the 28-year-old in the squad.
Blind has been criticised for his performances last season, but he his a versatile player who can operate as a holding midfielder, as a centre-back, and as a left fullback. Having someone who can play in so many positions is always an advantage, and the Daily Mail report suggests Mourinho will use the Dutchman as a squad player.
Meanwhile, the case with Mata is a little more complicated. The likes of Juventus, PSG, Barcelona, and Everton have all been linked with a move for Mata this summer. According to the Daily Mail report, Mourinho believes that he can get the best out of the Spaniard, which is why he wants to keep Mata at Manchester United.
However, the principle problem with that is Mata may not be a regular starter for the Red Devils anymore. The main reason for that is Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney. Rooney had been poor up front last season, prompting former manager Louis van Gaal to play youngster Marcus Rashford as the striker. Meanwhile, Rooney himself operated as a central midfielder, when he was fit. The 30-year-old also operated as a midfielder for England at the 2016 European Championships in France.
However, Mourinho said that while Rooney is not the striker that he once was, he will never play the England international in midfield. This prompted speculation that Rooney could be used as a no.10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. If this is indeed the case, Mata could once again find himself warming the bench in a Mourinho.
