[HabeasC]

Jesus, so many people on that poll would rather get rid of Mata and bring in an injured vidal...

RVP has been gash so far this year and needs the rest. Is it so hard to drop him, put Rooney up top and play Mata in the hole. That would be our best team, regardless.

 

[ZDwyr]

Jesus, so many people on that poll would rather get rid of Mata and bring in an injured vidal...

RVP has been gash so far this year and needs the rest. Is it so hard to drop him, put Rooney up top and play Mata in the hole. That would be our best team, regardless.

I think it would be our best team too. But only because Mata has been performing better than RvP (but Mata hasn't been a lot better himself).

 

[RuudTom83]

Play Mata behind a CF and he will score freely and create plenty.

I see Mata as different to the modern no.10 role, he is far better at putting the ball in the net than Silva, Ozil, Shinji, Hazard...

The problem for him at the moment is...United are stocked with strikers and attacking midfielders so he is being asked to do a role which is more of an all rounder aka the Rooney role.

But the team is still very much in the development stages so I wouldn't write Mata off just yet

 

[DWelbz19]

In all honesty, Mata is as much of a #10 as Rooney is. He doesn't want to come forth and dictate the play, set the tempo of the game, he prefers positioning himself in dangerous areas in the final third, delegating the possession to others. He isn't the quickest so he compensates with a very strong reading of the game, which results in him often doing very little in the middle/defensive side of the game. He may have stronger close control and short passing to Rooney, but the latter is far more physical for the role, with a better long pass. Mata has always been economical with his stats, but Rooney does trump him on this too. I just feel that if we are to continue the diamond with RvP + Falcao upfront, Rooney is a better fit, and Mata should look to move on rather than waste away.

 

[Litch]

What happened to the need for a good squad. If we were in Europe, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Chelsea have overlaps so do city. Why shouldn't we? It's already been proven we need cover with Rooney's red card.
Mata's not even had a full season with us and people are making Judgement. He's score more goals in his time here that all the other midfielders put together for about 2 seasons.
RVP is struggling, and doesn't look right. I think he's on the down wood spiral and it will be him that would will be surplus to requirements and not Mata IMO.

 

[jem]

What happened to the need for a good squad. If we were in Europe, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Chelsea have overlaps so do city. Why shouldn't we? It's already been proven we need cover with Rooney's red card.
Mata's not even had a full season with us and people are making Judgement. He's score more goals in his time here that all the other midfielders put together for about 2 seasons.
RVP is struggling, and doesn't look right. I think he's on the down wood spiral and it will be him that would will be surplus to requirements and not Mata IMO.

Yeah I don't understand it at all. If Mata's ok with it (and by the look it, he is,) then I don't see the problem. Rooney always gets injured and/or misses games due to suspension. Factor in RVP's health issues (which would result in moving Rooney forward) and the fact that Mata may well begin to hit form, and I can see no reason why we'd want to move him on.

 

[Sied]

I don't think anyone is seriously suggesting Mata is sold, but the poll question is black and white. I think our current starting 11 would be stronger with Vidal in the team rather than Mata. I doubt the choice would actually be one or the other though with our funds. The preference would obviously be both.

I also disagree with some who would have Mata in the starting 11 over Rooney or RVP. His performances have been just as unimpressive as RVP's so far this season, but Rooney's best position is in that #10 role, so I'd have RVP and Falcao up top.

 

[Melvyn]

http://deportes.elpais.com/deportes/2014/10/19/actualidad/1413712645_894221.html

Long interview with El Pais. It's in Spanish though.

He lives on the same street as Herrera and DDG.

 

[Invictus]

Can't understand shit.

Something about profound England, industries and ambient universities in Manchester; and London being complicated.

 

[Glanville95]

Apparently Falcao has to frequently deal with rejection and Mata was in a band prior to joining United.

 

[RedMachine03]

@Paul_Morrissey

Brilliant interview with Juan Mata in El Pais. Talks Manchester, London, Mourinho, Van Gaal, Life, Reading. He's such a wonderful man.

Mata: 'Manchester is the real, pure England. In London, everyone does their own thing, life's so fast. The people in the North are closer.'

Mata onChelsea: 'Id just had 2 fantastic seasons, voted MVP by fans & teammates, then he (Mourinho) came & I stopped playing.'

Mata on Mourinho (doesn't actually name him): 'There was no relationship, we had no dialogue. I was no longer happy there, then United came'

Mata on being left out of Spain squad: 'I think I'm more valued in England than in Spain.' (El Pais) Definitely true.

Mata: 'U fall in love with the Premier League. I've always loved British futbol, its pitches...& the culture: music, fashion, the Mod thing'

Mata (dig at Mourinho?): 'I love Van Gaal's philosophy. And he's honest: for me it's more important to be a good person than a good coach.'

Mata on the Spanish clan at United: 'Myself, Herrera & De Gea live on the same street as each other, so we hang out a lot together.'

Mata: 'I'm taking a degree in Marketing & Sports Science. You can't stop studying and learning just because you're a footballer.' #Crack

Mata on his life's philosophy: 'I don't understand people who aren't curious, who don't want to learn more or broaden their horizons.'

Mata: 'Van Gaal's very close to the players,he asks our opinion on sessions.Sometimes he mentions Guardiola, how Pep showed him some things'

 

[Pogue Mahone]

That Manchester-London thing is great. Will go down very well with the mancunians. I'm a big fan of London but there's a lot of truth in what he says. Most footballers wouldn't pick up in that sort of detail from their ivory towers. Hard not to love him when he comes out with stuff like that.

 

[jojojo]

It's a nice article. Just adding to the comments above.

It's a cloudy, wet day and he describes it, "like in the Asturias." His family live in the Asturias and he had a couple of days with them last week (he wasn't in the Spanish NT squad)

He's very impressed with Januzaj - says that he can become a special player. Fletcher and Rooney lead the dressing room, it was Vidic, Rio, Evra last year. He likes everybody

He says LvG talks a lot to the players and that LvG told him that he likes to learn from his players (that Guardiola for example had helped him)

He likes being a footballer and he think the pressure is lower in England. He goes to training, the press aren't allowed in, and he can go home or out.

He lived in a flat in London, now he's outside the town (near Carrington) and that Herrera and De Gea have houses within 100m of his.

 

[Invictus]

Can someone please translate this part thank you ?

P. ¿Qué adversario le ha impactado más?

R. Van Persie, Bale y Luis Suárez. Con este último, cuando jugábamos contra el Liverpool, tenía la sensación de que él solo iba a ganarnos el partido. Era un 70% de su equipo. Y de mi equipo... Tengo compañeros muy buenos, como Rooney, pero me sorprendió mucho Januzaj. Es buenísimo. Lo ves día a día y tiene una zurda privilegiada. Debe tener paciencia; si la tiene estaremos hablando de un jugador extraordinario.

 

[legball]

It's Veron all over again. He's a world class attacker, an intelligent creator - the problem though is that the system we use is not the one he thrives in. Mata is best playing in the middle of an attacking three in a 4-2-3-1 formation. In terms of quality, Kagwa isn't fit to lace his boot, but they have something in common, and that is, they are not very adaptable players and if push comes to shove, they aren't the player to go to, however, when the team is balanced and in good shape, that's when Mata really comes into his own and in that form, he's insanely good. What do I think will happen? I think he'll be sold in the summer. I think LVG will gradually move us to a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 with 2 deep lying CMs and a Muller-like #10 and once that happens, there'll be no room for the genius that is Juan.

 

[jojojo]

Can someone please translate this part thank you ?

Which opponents have impressed you most?


R. VanPersie, Bale and Luis Suarez.

With the latter, when we played against Liverpool, I had the feeling that he could win the game on his own. He was 70% of his team.

Of my team...I have very good companions, like Rooney, but Januzaj has surprised me a lot. He's great. You see it every day and he has a great left foot. He must have patience; if he has it we are talking about an extraordinary player.

 

[Cina]

Which opponents have impressed you most?


R. VanPersie, Bale and Luis Suarez.

With the latter, when we played against Liverpool, I had the feeling that he could win the game on his own. He was 70% of his team.

Of my team...I have very good companions, like Rooney, but Januzaj has surprised me a lot. He's great. You see it every day and he has a great left foot. He must have patience; if he has it we are talking about an extraordinary player.

Well that explains a lot then.

 

[JPRouve]

Can someone please translate this part thank you ?

What opponent impressed you the most ?

He said : Bale, RVP and Luis Suarez and that Suarez was very impressive because it felt as if he was able to win the game alone.
He is impressed by Januzaj, who with patience will become a great player and Rooney is a great player.

 

[Vato]

Can someone please translate this part thank you ?

Which opponent made the biggest impact on you?

Van Persie, Bale and Luis Suarez. This last one (Suarez) made you feel like he could win the game by himself when playing Liverpool. He was 70% of their team. And from my team... I have very good teammates, like Rooney, but Januzaj really surprised me. He's fantastic. He has a wonderful left foot. He needs to be patient; if he brings it up we will be talking about an outstanding player.

Edit - ffs jojo!

 

[Invictus]

Nice !

@jojojo @JPRouve @Vato

Thanks.

 

[MancFanFromManc]

Mata is a class act. Sadly because of Rooney his appearances will be limited. I was actually quite pleased when Rooney got a 4 match suspention because I knew it mean Mata getting a run of games. He's a fabulous player, and very very creative (and linking up with Herrea is another bonus)

 

[Devil may care]

Good to know Herrera isn't living in a hotel anymore and to hear Mata talk highly of LvG and Januzaj.

 

[Sam]

Really good article. The two bits that stood out for me were how much Mata seems to rate LVG and how much he enjoys his philosophy. Maybe he has a brighter future then we were starting to think? And also how highly he rates Januzaj. Again, maybe pointing to him being highly rated throughout the club, despite the lack of game time this season.

 

[jojojo]

Well that explains a lot then.

Yes, he says in another bit of the article that the rivalry with City is big, but that: "In England, I've never felt a rivalry so strong as in a United V Liverpool. Such matches!" So he knows exactly what he's saying there.

 

[Cheesy]

Mata is a class act. Sadly because of Rooney his appearances will be limited. I was actually quite pleased when Rooney got a 4 match suspention because I knew it mean Mata getting a run of games. He's a fabulous player, and very very creative (and linking up with Herrea is another bonus)

Unfortunately Mata's not really been showing that this season though, and a number of his performances have lacked that creativity. At the moment, I'd rather have Rooney in the team than Mata who needs to start delivering this season.

 

[LR7]

Loved reading that. He's such a likeable guy.
And the Januzaj bit

 

[MancFanFromManc]

Unfortunately Mata's not really been showing that this season though, and a number of his performances have lacked that creativity. At the moment, I'd rather have Rooney in the team than Mata who needs to start delivering this season.

I think they offer completely different options, but Mata is a more nature no 10 (imo), whereas Rooney like to be all over the pitch. Rooney is ahead of him selection wise, but as I'm a big Mata fan, I wish there was a way to play them both (and RVP, Falcao & Di Maria.... and Blind and Herrera..... Carrick & Fletch.... oh and Januzai)

ps. Sure I typed in 3 match suspension - keyboard gremlins strike again

 

[Lynk]

Most lovely United player ever?

 

[Ringo 07]

It's Berbatov all over again and I remember when anyone on here even mentioned that we should sell Berbatov then they'd be attacked on here for being clueless. Mata is a wonderfully gifted player but he is not dynamic enough to play at a club the size of Utd. He would thrive at a club like Valencia or Spurs but at Utd he doesn't have the pace or defensive capabilities that is demanded from every single player in the first 11 at a club the size of Utd for the team as a whole to function as a unit. He will be sold in a heartbeat once the club gets a big enough offer for him. Like the Fellaini deal - Moyes got absolutely mugged in the Mata deal also.

 

[Cheesy]

I think they offer completely different options, but Mata is a more nature no 10 (imo), whereas Rooney like to be all over the pitch. Rooney is ahead of him selection wise, but as I'm a big Mata fan, I wish there was a way to play them both (and RVP, Falcao & Di Maria.... and Blind and Herrera..... Carrick & Fletch.... oh and Januzai)

ps. Sure I typed in 3 match suspension - keyboard gremlins strike again

If Mata was performing, I'd arguably like to see him in that role if we had one striker up front. But with two playing, I think we need Rooney in that role because as well as being very good ability wise, his work-rate is much stronger than Mata's, who relies more on his technical ability. That's fine, but he needs to actually deliver on that front because when he doesn't, I don't think he delivers enough in general play.

 

[Speak]

It's Berbatov all over again and I remember when anyone on here even mentioned that we should sell Berbatov then they'd be attacked on here for being clueless. Mata is a wonderfully gifted player but he is not dynamic enough to play at a club the size of Utd. He would thrive at a club like Valencia or Spurs but at Utd he doesn't have the pace or defensive capabilities that is demanded from every single player in the first 11 at a club the size of Utd for the team as a whole to function as a unit. He will be sold in a heartbeat once the club gets a big enough offer for him. Like the Fellaini deal - Moyes got absolutely mugged in the Mata deal also.

Yeah, it's one of those where it's clear he has quality, but I just can't see a successful side being built around him.
He requires a specialist system and the license to pretty much do nothing defensively.

Even playing a 4-2-3-1. He's better in that role, as he's free to get into the box more, but he still isn't a ball carrier/holder. And then the two behind him would need to be so so mobile and disciplined, because he'd do nothing off the ball.
Whereas, if you play Di Maria there, I can barely see any downsides.

A 4-3-3 also doesn't suit him in any way whatsoever.

 

[bosnian_red]

He'll leave in January I think. Just doesn't do enough to warrant his place in the starting 11.

 

[Invictus]

He'll leave in January I think. Just doesn't do enough to warrant his place in the starting 11.

Yup, think so too. Van Gaal, like his protege Mourinho expects a high work-rate from his #10s. Probably justifies his preference for Rooney who's more of a Litmanen prototype forward.

 

[Still ill]

Decision making poor that half. Wouldn't be surprised not to see him appear after break.

 

[Sied]

Are the Mata fans still glad to see Rooney suspended?

 

[DevilRed]

Poor today. Looks unsure of his role and therefore not very confident in his play. A shadow of his former self really. Hopefully he can change things around in the second half and prove he can still contribute to a team that isn't built solely around him. There just is not understanding between him and our strikers.

 

[Mainoldo]

Pu£&y. All I can say about him. He won't be here for long playing like that.

 

[Man-United]

Just awful. Get rid as soon as possible.

 

[Zoo]

It's like playing with one man down.

 

[Cheesy]

Pretty anonymous again. I want him to do well since he's a great guy and talented player, but every week it feels more and more as if it's just not going to work here, which would be a massive shame.