Manchester United Transfer News: Juan Mata Sale to Juventus Would Be Big Mistake

Despite only arriving at Old Trafford from Chelsea in January, there is already talk of Juan Mata leaving Manchester United to join Juventus.

According to John Cross in the Daily Mirror, the Serie A champions are lining up a move to take the Spaniard to Italy in January: "Juve will see whether the Manchester United playmaker is surplus to requirements after Louis Van Gaal's summer spending spree."

After a summer of plentiful spending by the Red Devils, it does seem that Mata may struggle to hold down a first-team place despite his obvious talent.

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

New United boss Van Gaal added Radamel Falcao, Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw to the ranks at Old Trafford in the transfer window for a combined outlay of over £150 million, per Jason Burt in The Telegraph.

Di Maria and Falcao's arrivals will particularly concern Mata, as the Argentine can play in the No. 10 role Mata prefers, while the Monaco striker's inclusion may see Wayne Rooney drop deeper, thus squeezing the Spaniard out.

The Manchester Evening News' Rob Dawson predicts difficulties in incorporating all of United's attacking talent, and Mata's inflexibility may see him suffer:

As is obvious from his statistics since his arrival at United, he is incredibly effective playing through the middle but is unlikely to be able to adapt should he be forced to play out wide, per Sky Sports (h/t Samar Khan):

Mata is a phenomenal player, and he should prove to be invaluable for United if allowed to play in his preferred position during the season.

Van Gaal has a job on his hands to keep all of his stars happy, but he should not neglect Mata, and certainly must not sell him.

Craig Hope of the Daily Mail provides some career statistics for the 26-year-old:

"

His numbers on the park aren’t too shabby either; 96 club career goals from 366 appearances. He even has 10 from 34 with the previously all-conquering Spain. And then there are his assists, a staggering 48 over two seasons while he ruled the roost at Stamford Bridge.

"

This quality of contribution is the reason why David Moyes decided to bring him in from Chelsea—where he was bafflingly out of favour with Jose Mourinho—for £37.1 million.

His creativity is a huge asset, and one that should be of great help to United as they attempt to return to the the top four and the Champions League.

Furthermore, if they can get back into Europe's premier club competition next season, they will need great depth in their squad and options across the front, which Mata can contribute to.

Mata is a world-class player and could be a long-term star at United. It would be unwise to let a player like that leave.

Despite United's bolstered attacking options, Mata must be incorporated by Van Gaal. Mata is a player who can knit together what should be a formidable attack.

To cast him aside would be to let go one of the Premier League's best players over the last three seasons and would be a big mistake.