Spanish midfielder Juan Mata’s move from Chelsea to Manchester United could be scuppered in the unlikeliest of ways – by Manchester United manager David Moyes.
Talks are at an advanced stage between Mata and Manchester United advisors. His relationship with Jose Mourinho has broken down, and Mata doesn’t feel that he will get the chances that he deserves at Stamford Bridge this season. There is fierce competition for a place in the Spain midfield at this summer’s World Cup, and Mata knows that he needs to grab as much game time as possible before then with him currently at 6/4 to make the Spain World Cup squad with Betfair this year.
Mata is still much loved by Chelsea fans, having been their player of the year two seasons in a row. Mourinho, however, doesn’t feel that Mata tracks back or tackles enough and once he makes his mind up there is no changing it. Just ask Iker Casillas!
Manchester United would love to sign Mata. Moyes is in desperate need of a big money signing to appease the fans as his team remain stuck in a mid-table despond. He would bring the flair, creativity and passing ability that is currently missing at Old Trafford. So is it a done deal? Unfortunately for Manchester United – I believe not. There is one big fly in the ointment that could yet see Mata move to Atletico Madrid.
Atletico also want Mata, but they do not have the €40M that Manchester United are willing to pay. Here is the conundrum: Wayne Rooney is leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid either this summer or possibly even in this transfer window. http://laligablog.com/?p=3662. David Moyes knows that if he doesn’t find a big name, big ability replacement for Rooney then his position is untenable.
Moyes’ number one target to replace Rooney is Atletico hotshot Diego Costa. He has set La Liga on fire this season, hitting 19 goals and sending his side joint top of the Primera Division. Atleti coach Diego Simeone is playing hardball. He has told Moyes that he will not let him have Costa in the summer unless he backs out of the Mata deal and allows him a free opportunity to bring him to the Vicente Calderon.
It’s a dilemma for Moyes, but his main priority has to be finding a replacement for Wayne Rooney. That’s why I believe he will scupper his own deal to sign Juan Mata.
