Do Contrasting Futures Lie Ahead for David Moyes' Manchester United Signings?

Manchester United’s two major signings during the short spell that David Moyes had at the helm face very different futures at Old Trafford.

The inclusion of Tom Cleverley in the starting XI surprised everyone last weekend, particularly as it consigned the club’s record signing, Juan Mata, to the substitutes' bench. Marouane Fellaini did not even make the squad for the game.

Perhaps this was a show of faith in the much-maligned Cleverley by t interim manager Ryan Giggs; an arm around the shoulder and a chance to recapture some of the form that had propelled him into the England squad a couple of seasons ago. Mata’s response to not being included from the start was a joy to behold.

United’s performance in the first half against Norwich City was not much different to that of the last nine months, albeit played out in a very different atmosphere. Wayne Rooney’s penalty late in the first half punctured the Canaries’ bubble of resistance.

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The Red Devils were already two goals to the good by the time of Mata’s introduction in the second half. Far from sulking at being left out, the Spaniard was beguiling as he delivered what Giggs told the BBC later was a “masterclass” in midfield play.

Mata has charmed everyone at Old Trafford in his short time there. Some pundits have questioned whether he was the signing that the club really needed to bolster their flagging midfield. However, it is clear already that his cuteness of play, eye for opening up chances and, not least, his professionalism should all hold him in good stead, no matter who is in the managerial hot seat for next season.

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The situation could hardly be any more different for the headline signing of last summer’s transfer window. Marouane Fellaini was a marauding powerhouse at Everton, performing at Goodison Park more as a box-to-box midfielder. He was also often used as a focal point for attacks, with his bustling nature, heading prowess and hold-up play helping to bring others into the fray.

At Manchester United, Fellaini has been a pale imitation of his former self. A lack of confidence in his new surroundings, injuries and an unfamiliar role in the side have all collaborated in a poor first season at the club.

As reported on ESPN, Belgium national coach Marc Wilmots is clear that Fellaini will figure in his plans for the FIFA World Cup this summer, but he is bemused as to why Manchester United signed the player at all, if they weren't going to play to his strengths:

“I don't understand why Manchester United bought him to play him in a system of two No. 6s. Marouane is a box-to-box player.”

It is another interesting footnote to the David Moyes era at Manchester United.

Fellaini was a player that he knew well from his previous club. Moyes had immediately earmarked the Belgian to join him at Old Trafford, yet appeared to use him in a system that is alien to the player. The resulting loss of both form and confidence could precipitate his swift departure from the club.

On the other hand, Mata was an opportunistic signing. Jose Mourinho had deemed him surplus to requirements at Chelsea, so Moyes swooped. Although with no clear position available to him at United, the signing did much to lift the mood at the home of the faltering champions—for a short while at least.

Whoever United’s next manager is will know that they have a gem on their hands. It will be interesting to see how the next United boss can make him shine.

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