Robbie Boy
Full Member
If he's happy as a squad player then I'm very happy to keep him.
ThisGood output as ever.
I also disagree entirely with the consensus that he's too much of a lightweight. Sure he's not particularly strong or fast but I can't fault his effort, he clearly puts himself about and works harder defensively than he's given credit for on her in my opinion.
I hope we keep him, personally, he doesn't have to start every match but I would rather him over Rooney.
Maybe I'm watching a different player to a lot of people here (or maybe I don't know what I'm talking about ), it sure feels like it at times.
11 goals, 11 assists last season. 10 goals 10 assists the season before.
Would be ridiculous getting rid when there are still complete dross in the squad.
I really think that he is an hindrance, he is useless 99% of the time but incredibly efficient on the 1%, you can't rely on a player like that, he can't be at the heart of a consistent team.
I really think that he is an hindrance, he is useless 99% of the time but incredibly efficient on the 1%, you can't rely on a player like that, he can't be at the heart of a consistent team.
Tbf, hardly anyone is suggesting he should be at the heart of our team. Mostly people are asking whether he should be kept as a squad player or if Rooney is really a better option at #10 atm. Both of which seem like fair suggestions.
Agree with the general idea, its almost established that our front four will have Martial, Mkhitaryan, Rooney and Ibrahimovic which is an upgrade from the shambles of last year but the back ups leave a lot to be desired imo. Apart from Januzaj the rest have little to no upside so the best idea would be to get rid of Mata, Memphis and Lingard in particular then use the funds to sign two young wingers/forwards with a genuine shot at displacing any of the three playing behind the main striker. Might seem particularly harsh on Mata but the truth is despite his stats we are not going anywhere with him, a player of his calibre/ the one we thought we were getting should be elevating the team to another level not just look the part.I just expressed a part of my thought, I didn't point any fingers. In my opinion, Mata should be sold if a good offer comes and we should take punts at players like Asensio, Kovacic or Lemar.
Surely you have to factor in the conditions of the team last year. Mata was shoehorned around the place, playing in one of the top 3 worst sides to watch in the league managed by somebody who restricted any offensive freedom ( we scored 1 more than Sunderland).I prefer to talk about performances in the league.
6 goals. 5 assists. 34 appearances.
https://www.whoscored.com/Players/25363/Show/Juan-Mata
For Sunderland, this would be fine. For MUFC - you think this is good enough? Seriously?
I do agree though, that we do have other players (like Memphis and Lingard) who are 1-2 levels below Mata.
Mata surely is going to struggle in the 4-2-3-1 display at away games, but could be very useful as a substitute to break packed defenses at Old Trafford. I would keep him if I was Mourinho, unless he has the same attitude while at Chelsea and asks to leave.
I could not agree more. I will say Mhkitaryan, Rashford and Mata should all be ahead of Rooney in that role.If we are going to play someone behind the striker Mata is so much better than rooney at that role
I could not agree more. I will say Mhkitaryan, Rashford and Mata should all be ahead of Rooney in that role.