Manuel Pellegrini Angry over Juan Mata's Transfer to Manchester United

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has joined Arsene Wenger in criticising Juan Mata's transfer from Chelsea to Manchester United.

As reported by Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News, Pellegrini is upset about the deal which will see the Spain international move to Old Trafford:

As reported by BBC Sport, Wenger had questioned the fairness of Mata's transfer, saying:

"

Maybe the rules should be adapted for more fairness. It opens up questions about the dates of this transfer window.

If you want to respect the fairness for everybody, that should not happen.

"

Chelsea have played United twice in the Premier League, meaning that they will not face Mata this season.

But City and Arsenal both have to play the Red Devils again, something their managers fear gives United a greater chance of winning, and as a result Chelsea an advantage in the Premier League title race.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Mata is likely to give United a big boost going into the final part of the season, as they have relied on the inexperienced Adnan Januzaj in recent games, due to Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie being injured.

However, he will not help United into fourth place singlehandedly, and once Rooney and van Persie return to the team, there are still questions about where Mata will be played.

Jamie Redknapp insists in the Daily Mail that should not be an issue:

"

They could easily go with a midfield diamond with Mata at the top of it behind Rooney and RVP, or he could play in a wider role. As long as Moyes restores his confidence he could play Mata anywhere across the front because he is expert at playing in between the lines.

"

Trailing Arsenal by 14 points, United are too far behind to mount a title challenge, and the notion that the signing is unfair is ridiculous given the cash that City and Arsenal spent during the summer.

Pellegrini, especially, was at a huge advantage when he arrived at City, and much of his success this season can be put down to the club's large investment in new players.