Cibaman wrote:
My initial reaction to the reports was that it was probably mischief by Chelsea. Tempt United into making a bid for Mata but turn it down leaving United with more egg on face. Payback for Rooney. Then do a swap in summer.
Payback for Rooney? What did Man Utd do? Chelsea wanted Rooney, I think Rooney wanted Chelsea. Man United said "No effing way." Jose said Rooney needed to ask for a transfer if he wanted to leave. Rooney says nothing.
I think Chelsea were wasting their time trying to get a player they were unlikely to get. I think Rooney was again being a lover by wanting to leave Old Trafford. I'm struggling to imagine what Man Utd did wrong.
But the tone of the articles in a few papers seem to suggest the deal is likely.
Martin Samuel's tone worried me because I like reading his articles and most of the time I think he's pretty much correct.
But the rest of the media are a bunch of know-nothing dickheads who have written a million "done deal" stories that turn out to be nonsense. This has been a quiet, boring transfer window and they are desperate for something to write about. The disparity of the transfer fees for Mata indicates to me that they're all jumping on this to fill their papers but there's actually not much in it.
If Chelsea are truly wanting rid of Mata, I do think they might be leaking Mata's exit to Man United as a way of forcing someone like PSG or a Spanish side to jump in. But Mata to Manchester United makes absolutely no sense to me.
To answer my own question, the only way I can see Mata fitting is if United sell Rooney. But if they were going to do that they might as well have given Kagawa an extended run in his best position whilst Rooney is out.
I actually think Moyes should be trying to get Mata because signing Mata could be the thing that keeps him in his job. He's been dreadful so far, likely to miss out on the top 4, if he loses tonight I could see him getting the axe tomorrow (that's why I think they'll win tonight, only to be well beaten in the final). Signing Juan Mata from Chelsea would be such a boost for United I think it would buy him a couple of seasons. It would be a stunning signing for Moyes and proof he can bring players in.