Why Manchester United should offload Juan Mata in the summer

As per Sansursuz Futbol (h/t The Express), Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata wants to join Turkish outfit Fenerbahce when the summer transfer window reopens.

Having come through the youth ranks at Real Madrid, Mata, 32, played for Valencia between 2007 and 2011 before moving to Chelsea. In his three seasons with the Blues, the midfielder made 174 appearances, helping his side win a Champions League trophy, a Europa League title and an FA Cup. In the meantime, he was also a part of Spain’s squad which won the 2010 World Cup.

In January 2014, United signed him and he became an instant hit at the club. The £160k-a-week Spaniard integrated himself as a key member of the squad and helped the Red Devils win the Europa League title and the FA Cup. He has gone on to make over 250 appearances for United, scoring 48 goals and providing 42 assists so far.

However, in the last two seasons, Mata has found game time hard to come by and has been used mainly as a substitute. He has not been at his best and seems to be reaching the twilight of his career. Thus, with just a year left on his contract at Old Trafford, United should look to part ways with the former Real Madrid man.

Mata seems surplus to requirements at Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have managed to bounce back from a poor start to the campaign. They have gone unbeaten in 16 games across all competitions so far and are in fine form.

One of the major reasons for their improvement in recent times is the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January. The Portuguese playmaker has been a breath of fresh air in United’s attack. In 13 games so far, he has scored 7 goals and 6 assists and has been the star in the team’s clinical performances.

Apart from Fernandes, United also have Andreas Pereira in the attacking midfield role. The Brazilian has not been at his best but he is just 24 and has time for improvement. He is capable of coming on as a substitute and develop himself in time. Thus, United should look to sell Mata in the summer as they already have two capable attacking midfielders in their ranks.

The former Spanish international has managed to make just 19 appearances in the league so far, starting in just 25% of those games. He has failed to convince the manager for a regular start and moreover, Mata is already 32 and selling him would be a wise decision by the club.

Read more

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Verdict

United already have two attacking midfielders in their ranks and the return of Paul Pogba from injury has also been a massive boost for the side. And at 32, Mata may be left with little to provide in the future. Thus, United parting ways with the former Chelsea would be the right decision.