Why Manchester United Can’t Let Juan Mata Slip Through Their Fingers

Everybody knows that Manchester United are not only losing touch with the title, but also a top four finish in the Premier League. United sit 7^th in the league, seven points off fourth placed Liverpool and a further 14 points off first placed Arsenal. In many people’s opinion, it is a creative midfielder that Manchester United badly need, and now it seems that they might just be on to something.

Juan Mata is rumoured to have wanted to leave Chelsea for a while now, having often failed to make an impact on Mourinho’s starting 11. Mata, who has been disappointed with this season, stresses that the fact that he desperately needs game time, in order to be a part of Spain’s World Cup squad later this year.

Understandably, it seems that United are showing a massive interest in the influential midfielder, however, he does not come cheaply. The London club are supposedly looking for a fairly high price for their once star man and will be reluctant to let a club like United sign the midfielder with complete ease.

Despite this, it is essential that Moyes’ red devils do sign Mata – here are the facts behind the potential deal.

Despite only making 13 appearances this season, Juan Mata has created 30 chances so far. The only Manchester United player who has made it in to double figures in this particular department is Michael Carrick, who has created 14 chances. 

Mata has also set up 2 goals this season. Although this may not seem like many at all, it is joint best with United’s top goal creators. Adnan Januzaj and Antonio Valencia have set up 2 goals each but have made more appearances than the Chelsea man.

Finally, Mata has shown in previous seasons that he can be a truly world class player but it is argued that he has been treated unfairly this season at Chelsea. In the last two campaigns Mata has made a joint total of 25 assists- this statistic alone is more than anyone else has managed in the league.

The facts prove that a player like Mata is badly needed by any club, but especially one in Manchester United’s position.

Judging by the first half of this season, it is hard to see that United are going to make vast improvements and make a dramatic turn around, if things stay the way they are. For this reason, it is essential that United clinch the January signing of Juan Mata. If they don’t, it is surely a certainty that they will finish outside the top four.