Why Manchester United must allow Juan Mata to return to Valencia
As per a report by Daily Mail, Manchester United’s Juan Mata could seal a return to Valencia next summer. The Spaniard’s contract will also expire during that time and Daily Mail claims that the La Liga outfit want him only on a free transfer.
The Spaniard spent four years with Valencia and produced some of his best work during his time with the club. However, in 2011, Mata chose to move to Chelsea which sparked the beginning of a new chapter for the talented midfielder.
More often than not, the football world is subjected to flashy and flamboyant players who make headlines across the world for their antics. But Mata belongs to a dying breed of footballers whose sole purpose is to put in a good shift for his team. He continued working wonders at Chelsea but then joined Manchester United eventually.
At Old Trafford, Mata has often been moved across the midfield but regardless of where he is positioned, the player has almost never let the team down. But perhaps it is time for the iconic player to bid adieu to English football and go back to Spain.
The situation at United has turned into a rather toxic one right now. One might think that’s crazy since the club romped away to a 2-1 victory at Leicester City for their season-opener. However, the entire football philosophy at United has changed and that’s reflecting quite evidently on their performances as well.
Jose Mourinho is arguably one of the best managers out there but his system of sitting deep and hitting teams on the counter does not do justice to the United’s trademark style of attacking. They were widely touted the comeback kings for a reason but lately, all they seem to do is play defensively.
While there is nothing wrong with that, it must be noted that such a system has affected Mata’s natural style of play. Although he chipped in with 3 goals and 7 assists for the Red Devils in the previous term, the player must move to Valencia next year to play regularly until he decides to hang up his boots.
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At 30 years of age, Mata lacks the pace required to survive in Mourinho’s system. It is indeed an unfortunate situation since the player is the epitome of a modern-day legend. However, suffice to say, it is time for Mata to leave United and possibly return to Valencia next summer.
