The transfer window ended at 11pm on Tuesday for English clubs. Overall the transfer window was good because United brought in Ronaldo, Varane, and Sancho. One negative in this transfer window is that Manchester United only sold Dan James. Players that United could have sold include Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, and Phil Jones. This article gives the pros and cons of Juan Mata’s staying.
Disadvantage – Mata won’t have much game time
United have an abundance of attacking midfielders and wingers. Examples of attacking midfielders that United have include: Bruno Fernandes, Jesse Lingard, and Paul Pogba. Manchester United’s wingers consist of the likes of Sancho, Rashford, Lingard, and Greenwood. Manchester United’s options in those positions mean that Juan Mata will find it harder to get a substantial amount of game time.
Advantage – Mata is a mentor to younger players and new signings at United
As one of the most experienced players within the squad, Mata has become somewhat of a mentor and new additions alike. Mata uses his experience to lend a wise word to the players coming through the academy. Juan Mata helped Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo settle in. Being a mentor is vital as the younger players will need someone to ease the pressure.
Disadvantage – Mata blocks a pathway into the first team for Pellestri and Diallo at United
United bought two wingers in the form of Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellestri. Juan Mata staying meant that Pellestri had to go on loan to Deportivo Alaves. Juan Mata staying is not ideal for Pellestri because he wants to be a first-team player for Manchester United. Amad Diallo will struggle to get game time because Juan Mata can play on the wing. Amad Diallo’s lack of game time is not ideal for Manchester United because he costs £19 million.
Advantage – staying would help his transition into a coach
Many Manchester United fans believe that the Spaniard will transition into a coaching or ambassador role at the club once his playing days come to a close. Juan Mata is currently taking his coaching badges as he prepares for a career in coaching. He had this to say about his coaching course: ”I’m starting to do some courses. I’m doing a management course and also coaching badges,” Mata told club media. ”It’s nice to do things in your time off, when you become over 30 it’s important for football players to start thinking about what to do next.”
Disadvantage – harder for Van De Beek to get game time
Van De Beek signed for the club last summer. He is a topic of discussion because he has had limited game at the club. Juan Mata staying means that it will be harder for Van De Beek to get game time. If Donny doesn’t get the game time he wants he will try push for a move away from the club.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons of Juan Mata staying at Manchester United. Juan Mata should have left because Manchester United has too many options in his position. The experience that Juan Mata has in the dressing room is not irreplaceable. It would be unfortunate if Diallo and Pellestri have a lack of game time because Juan Mata stayed.
