Sky Sources : Blind and Mata set to leave this summer.

[Americano]

I don't have a problem with them leaving. They are both excellent players with a lot to offer.

EXCEPT they are physically lacking. They don't have the athletic attributes needed to compete at the very highest levels of this league. Height, physical presence, strength, and speed are all lacking and we turned a blind eye to this in recruiting them. I hope this is a sign that of the direction that Mourinho will take toward building an athletically dominant team.

 

[Hugh Jass]

id keep blind but let mata go. buy a CB and move blind into carricks position

 

[Bojan11]

You brought up games in which he had no part to play in our loss. You may as well state blind was the reason atletico lost the CL final.

As usual your inability to read is coming front. No one is saying blind is faultless but many including you seems to fault him for nothing. As evidenced by the fact that you blamed him for the Swansea defeat when he in fact had a better game. And comments like 'Smalling is the only one defending in our back 4' makes me question if you actually understand what defending is. Blind did a lot of defending too and only an idiot would claim otherwise.

I do like Smalling but he is extremely brainless where he needs to be intelligent. It's arguable that he was the best defender since January or so. Of course blind makes mistakes. But individually if you count the mistakes Smalling and Blind will be almost same and it's got nothing to do with him 'covering for Blind'. In fact there were lots of situations where Smalling himself had to be covered by Blind darmian and others in the back 4. You and others introspect in detail every single mistake blind ever made when in fact it seems to be made by 99% of the defenders in the PL including Smalling which is where your point becomes senseless.

Frankly you don't seem to have a clue what you are talking when you claim that Evans is a better player than Blind when Evans proved time and again last season that he wasn't even as good as Rojo.

So Blind is better CB than Evans? And Evans isn't as good as Rojo?

What are you smoking?

How are you basing that bollocks on? Evans had a bad season last year. But before that he showed under Moyes or Fergie that he was miles better as a CB than what Blind or Rojo has shown. He was asked to play on the left side of a three man defence, which he has never done in his career. I didn't have a problem with someone like Evans being third choice. The only problem was that he was injured so often. But he has stayed fit and was West Broms best defender. Blind and Rojo wouldn't even get in West Broms defence.

Fault him for nothing? Is he not apart of our defence? Smalling is the brainless one? He is not the one not marking players at time, rushing forward or sleeping when the team is pushing forward which Blind did against West Ham and played Carroll on. Which wasn't the first time he did that. Lets not make out Blind isn't brainless too.

Blind is one of the weak links in our defence. If Mourinho wants to turf him out, I don't have a problem with that. He isn't getting rid of a world class player like you making it out to be.

Yeah he could do a squad player role. But so can Mensah and we better off giving him the games as he can develop into a world class player. With Shaw coming back, Borthwich Jackson will be the backup left back. We most likely going to sign a centre midfielder and I rather have Scheniderlin than Blind.

 

[red_devil83]

id keep blind but let mata go. buy a CB and move blind into carricks position

Sounds about right to me. At least give Blind a go there. If he doesn't excel, then he' still a versatile squad member. To be fair to Mata, he's posted good numbers but he's just not a United player.

 

[Ramshock]

God! Blind is so overrated on here.

far from it

 

[Ramshock]

Chelsea fans had the same reaction when the rumors of Luiz and Mata being sold came out.

Mata probable, Blind not necessarily. Still story smacks of guess work.

 

[prath92]

So Blind is better CB than Evans? And Evans isn't as good as Rojo?

What are you smoking?

How are you basing that bollocks on? Evans had a bad season last year. But before that he showed under Moyes or Fergie that he was miles better as a CB than what Blind or Rojo has shown. He was asked to play on the left side of a three man defence, which he has never done in his career. I didn't have a problem with someone like Evans being third choice. The only problem was that he was injured so often. But he has stayed fit and was West Broms best defender. Blind and Rojo wouldn't even get in West Broms defence.

Fault him for nothing? Is he not apart of our defence? Smalling is the brainless one? He is not the one not marking players at time, rushing forward or sleeping when the team is pushing forward which Blind did against West Ham and played Carroll on. Which wasn't the first time he did that. Lets not make out Blind isn't brainless too.

Blind is one of the weak links in our defence. If Mourinho wants to turf him out, I don't have a problem with that. He isn't getting rid of a world class player like you making it out to be.

Yeah he could do a squad player role. But so can Mensah and we better off giving him the games as he can develop into a world class player. With Shaw coming back, Borthwich Jackson will be the backup left back. We most likely going to sign a centre midfielder and I rather have Scheniderlin than Blind.

Evans was our worst CB in the squad last season and anyone who actually watched us will know that. Just this shows me how much your judgement on players is.

 

[Bojan11]

Evans was our worst CB in the squad last season and anyone who actually watched us will know that. Just this shows me how much your judgement on players is.

So a bad season and suddenly Rojo is better than him? Really?

In Fergies last season alongside he was good alongside Rio. In Moyes first season he was our best CB when fit.

 

[Sandikan]

Comparing Evans and Rojo.
Cripes, what a sh!t debate,

Neither anywhere near good enough to get on the pitch for us unless it's desperation time.

 

[prath92]

So a bad season and suddenly Rojo is better than him? Really?

In Fergies last season alongside he was good alongside Rio. In Moyes first season he was our best CB when fit.

That was 2012. He has been poor since then when he was required to take over as the leader of the defence. He was hardly our best defender in Moyes' time. Smalling was. His injury is another issue. Even tony pulis rarely plays him at CB and prefers to play him as a LB or DM. When it mattered he couldn't take the CB spot that was quite frankly there for the taking.

 

[tomaldinho1]

Both quite popular players but no major problems if this story turns out to be true. Would make sense given Mou's track record.

Mata - unless he is playing 10 I don't think he should be here. He is a very good player and IMO will return to Valencia - I remember reading some story about how he will go back one day.
Blind - ideally could keep him as a squad player as he covers a few positions but should not be a starting CB. We have conceded so many goals from crosses/set plays this season and his lack of aerial prowess is a big factor in that.

 

[C'est Moi Cantona]

Not really surprising, you would have to assume that Fellaini, and one of Jones/Rojo will also be set for the chop, what interests me is if Jose can bring a bit of the Chelsea magic with him when it comes to the transfer fees for these players.

Normally you'd have to be looking at £20 m for Mata, £15 m for Blind, £12 m for Fellaini, £8-£10 m for Rojo/Jones, maybe the Jose/Mendes touch might add a far whack to that.

 

[Bojan11]

That was 2012. He has been poor since then when he was required to take over as the leader of the defence. He was hardly our best defender in Moyes' time. Smalling was. His injury is another issue. Even tony pulis rarely plays him at CB and prefers to play him as a LB or DM. When it mattered he couldn't take the CB spot that was quite frankly there for the taking.

Smalling? The guy Moyes was playing at right back. Evans was our best defender during the 13/14 campaign.

He was played at left back because West Brom had injuries and their regular Left back was out for the season from January. He's played cdm just twice for them. He has made 20 appearances as CB for them. So how is that rarely? Or are you making it up as we go along.

 

[Sultan]

Blind isn't in Carrick's class. Just my opinion.

 

[charlenefan]

Hope neither leave but Jose wasn't long back at Chelsea before the Mata rumours started so there's a good chance this is true, has a manager ever sold a player twice?

 

[We need an rvn]

i honestly couldn't really care too much if both of them went.

Mata hasn't been what Silva has been for City or Hazard for Chelsea (prior season) and rarely dominates matches like these flair players should do.

Blind for me is not a central i'd want in my team as a starting XI. I think you need to have 2 of 3 things as a top central defender, ideally 3 like perhaps Rio had. Pace, Strength and football brains. Take Lahm for example, not the strongest but quick and according to pep, best football brain he's seen. I've just not seen enough of Blind to say he should be our starting XI as i think he only has one of those things.

The ones on my list that we must keep are pretty much on everyone's tongue - De Gea / Smalling / Shaw / Schneiderlin / Martial / Rashford / Rooney / TMF / Herrera ...i'll also throw in with that Schweinsteiger / Carrick as would be interesting to see what Mourinho would use their experience. I'd like him to keep memphis to see if he can do anything with him.

Jones / Rojo / Mata / Januzaj / Blind / Young / Valencia / Fellaini - they shouldn't be starting for United for me

 

[C.G.]

Wouldn't be surprised, especially regarding Mata. But I think Blind will stay. He's a decent rotational guy that can cover many positions. Mou will find him useful I think.

1+1=3 article imo. Mou already sold Mata once=will again. Mou likes big, strong, fast cnuts=Blind will get sold.

 

[The Viper]

Blind has been good for us in the last season. He is a versatile player, can play in multiple positions. Given our injury record, he could actually be a very handy player.

On the other hand Mata hasn't been anything spectacular. Yes, he is a very likable guy, but he hasn't been the same since he moved from Chelsea.

 

[Infra-red]

I'd personally keep both players, but it would hardly be a surprise to see them leave. I'm not sure Mourinho will ever really favour players who are short, weak, and slow, regardless of their other qualities.

 

[charlenefan]

To sell Blind over Rojo would honestly make no sense, apart from dodgy haircuts there's nothing Rojo does better than Blind

 

[caisenma]

i see no point, in any circumstance where it would make sense to sell blind. he's mr versatile and is reliable.

i think with mata though, he could very well be on his way out.

 

[MoBeats]

Don't want to see either of them leave.

 

[Snow]

Carrick is much better in tighter spaces, is quicker at getting the ball forwards and is more varied in his passing, which allows our attack to function better. This is substantiated by the fact we stagnated in LVGs first season when Carrick got injured and Blind played in midfield. There is a good reason that neither LVG nor mourinho see Blind as a replacement for Carrick

Blind is a much different player now for us than he was when he first joined. Joining the PL from the Eredivisie is a massive step that needs adjustment. Just look at the amount of players from there that start out poorly. Doesn't help when you're constantly being shifted from DM to LB or getting injured for 2 months. He's shown plenty of his ability to pass quickly under pressure from CB. In fact he's been so good at it that I'm worried about who'll replace him.

 

[Tribec]

I can't understand this debate of Blind or Rojo... I don't mind Rojo, but we can do better and have better within the squad. I think people have been quick to suggest that Smalling's drastic improvement this year has been down to being relatively injury free. I think you'll find that playing with a regular partner has helped and one that communicates with him. It isn't the best partnership we've had, but I am sure that Blind has played his part in improving Smalling. If we buy a new CB, to take Blind's slot so be it, but I'd hate to see him leave, he's great cover for both midfield and defense.

 

[K2K]

Hope neither leave but Jose wasn't long back at Chelsea before the Mata rumours started so there's a good chance this is true, has a manager ever sold a player twice?

Sir Alex with Gordon Strachan.

Probably more examples in Italy where players and managers hop around the bigger clubs.

 

[a_devil_inside]

I'd be sad to see Blind go, Mata not as much.
Was hoping Blind might take Carrick's place

 

[arthurka]

Both can leave.. Slow slow slow.

 

[MikeUpNorth]

Blind isn't in Carrick's class. Just my opinion.

Your opinion is correct. That said, I think Blind is a more than decent squad player.

 

[Gary_Walsh_Nou_Camp_Hell]

Blind and Mata are journey men. Nice guys that lack the real winning mentality and drive to be the best. They both come across as happy with the lives they have and lack the hunger for success that top players have.

If you're content with finishing around 5th and picking up the odd cup then these guys are fine. If you want to win the league and do things in Europe then United need to improve on this type of player.

Mou is going to bring back the ruthlessness that is required to compete at the top, it's going to be refreshing to have this mentality back at the club.

Ask yourself this, would Fergie of bought Blind or Mata?

 

[clarkydaz]

Blind and Mata are journey men. Nice guys that lack the real winning mentality and drive to be the best. They both come across as happy with the lives they have and lack the hunger for success that top players have.

If you're content with finishing around 5th and picking up the odd cup then these guys are fine. If you want to win the league and do things in Europe then United need to improve on this type of player.

Mou is going to bring back the ruthlessness that is required to compete at the top, it's going to be refreshing to have this mentality back at the club.

Ask yourself this, would Fergie of bought Blind or Mata?

You could say Fergie did buy Mata

 

[Gary_Walsh_Nou_Camp_Hell]

You could say Fergie did buy Mata

because he chose Moysie?

 

[Bwuk]

Ferguson would of bought Mata, he loved signing the best players in the league, which Mata was at Chelsea.

Blind, probably not.

 

[Dans]

Blind and Mata are journey men. Nice guys that lack the real winning mentality and drive to be the best. They both come across as happy with the lives they have and lack the hunger for success that top players have.

If you're content with finishing around 5th and picking up the odd cup then these guys are fine. If you want to win the league and do things in Europe then United need to improve on this type of player.

Mou is going to bring back the ruthlessness that is required to compete at the top, it's going to be refreshing to have this mentality back at the club.

Ask yourself this, would Fergie of bought Blind or Mata?

Blind is a journeyman? Blimey, he's played for 2 clubs - Ajax and United. He's 26, had a 17 game loan spell at 20 with Groningen. Hardly a journey man.

I agree with another poster that his best position would be a DM sitting in front of the back 4. I'd keep him.

Mata I think would be a great fit at Barca, possibly Bayern. I like him but I don't think he stands much chance with Mourinho in charge because he is a bit of a luxury player in the prem - too lightweight and not quick enough.

Perhaps we could package him with Rooney? Please let's include Rooney in any deal for Juan. Sorry Juan.

 

[Jaybomb]

These are two of my favourite players at United (Mata especially) but I can't say I'm too surprised about this.

Mourinho's not the biggest fan of Mata and Blind is an LVG player if I ever saw one. He was never gonna retain his role at CB under Mourinho. Although he's done a solid job this season, he still lacks the attributes to play there under Mourinho. He's slow and weak, has barely any physicality to his game. Mourinho will want to buy a strong physical experienced CB in the mold of Terry, Pepe, etc I reckon. I think Blind could done a job at CDM but again... Mourinho will probably want to buy someone more physical.

I said it before Mourinho came - He can get rid of the entire squad for all I care. I just want to see us winning trophies again. I couldn't care less if its with 'old' players or young players. I trust his judgment over anyone else.

 

[clarkydaz]

because he chose Moysie?

My recollection I believe Moyes himself said long after the event, it was Fergie/Gill mentioned 'we can get Mata, do you want him?' in the January window when Moyes was struggling. And Moyes went along with it. Mata doesn't really fit the profile of a player Moyes would go for does he? Even when Mata signed Moyes said he would be good for different positions, when we already had Kagawa being played out of position.

 

[Sultan]

Your opinion is correct. That said, I think Blind is a more than decent squad player.

He's an absolutely ideal squad player. Versatility is his main forte. However, I don't think he's good enough in any position to hold down a place in the first team, for a team who's ambitions should be to have specialists in every position.

 

[prath92]

Fergie would also not have bought martial for such a high amount too. Instead he would have bought benteke or ings or something and won the league all while complaining that there's no value in the market.

 

[Duafc]

Joint best. And our defensive record was down to our cautiousness in attack more than anything.

Sorry, didn't realise being joint best meant you were no longer best.

Our defensive record was down to our defence, more than anything. Our cautiousness in attack contributed.

 

[Randall Flagg]

Evans was our worst CB in the squad last season and anyone who actually watched us will know that. Just this shows me how much your judgement on players is.

Evans is twice the defender rojo will ever be

 

[Slavkov]

I think something happened with Mata and he has lost everything that once made him a great player. I remember him even at Valencia he was a threat on the wings or as no 10 and then at Chelsea he looked like he had a goal or assist in him in every game... He was in the top 3 players on my fantasy team, after that something happened and he totally lost it, he is slow, inadequate and often out of position and showed glimpses of his older self once in a while...I have no idea whether it was LVG's fault or not...As far as Blind is concerned, I am of the belief that every squad striving for success should have a player like him. He is very smart, his positioning is very good and his passing range and vision are of good standard. He is not the world class player who can decide games but he can fill holes and play in a number of positions (deep lying playmaker is his best in my opinion).