Juan Mata Transfer to Manchester United Official; Where Will He Play?
The deal is done. Juan Mata is officially a member of Manchester United.
The Spanish superstar was unveiled by the team on Saturday, making him the team's biggest signing of the 2013-14 season.
"I am thrilled to be joining United. I have enjoyed some very happy years at Chelsea but the time has come for a new challenge. United is the perfect place for me and I am excited at the chance I have to be part of the next phase in the club's history," said Mata, according to ESPN.
The superstar was the top player for Chelsea for the last two seasons and played an instrumental part in the Blue's Champions League victory in 2011-12 and its 2012-13 Europa League Championship.
However, he struggled in 2013-14 and was limited to just 11 starts in Chelsea's first 22 games; he only played in 13 of the Blues' matches. Despite his tumultuous relationship with coach Jose Mourinho, Mata is grateful to Chelsea for his experiences.
"Chelsea is a top club and I have many friends there but you cannot turn down the chance to join Manchester United. I look forward to helping the manager and the team be successful in the coming years," he stated. "Today is a very happy day for me, I'm very proud to be here. It's amazing knowing that a club like United is interested in me."
Where he will play is arguably the greatest mystery of all. Mata usually plays in the middle behind the top striker; in this case Robin van Persie. However, Wayne Rooney currently occupies that central position behind van Persie, meaning that Mata would likely be pushed to the wing or toward the defensive end of the midfield. Mata is not a strong defender and his best play is on the offensive side of the ball.
Are you happy with the move for Mata?