Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Juan Mata and Michael Carrick Rumours

Two of Manchester United's senior players could depart the club after rumours surfaced Juan Mata and Michael Carrick might be tempted to leave Old Trafford. 

Spanish outlet Don Balon (h/t Daniel Matthews and Darren Richman of the Telegraph) claim Barcelona will offer Mata a route out of the Red Devils, with Blaugrana coach Luis Enrique "keen" on the Spain international.

A summer move would be most likely for Mata after an inconsistent year under manager Louis van Gaal, and United are ready to "listen to offers" for the flair midfielder, per Don Balon. 

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Mata joined United for £37.1 million from Chelsea in 2014, and, according to Matthews and Richman, he is believed to "welcome a return to his homeland" after leaving Valencia for the Premier League in 2011.

The Spaniard scored United's third as they edged past Derby County in the fourth round of the FA Cup, defeating the Rams 3-1 on Friday.

Mata has primarily been used on the right side of LVG's attack since the Dutchman took the helm 18 months ago, but he has failed to reproduce his electric form of his early days at Stamford Bridge. 

The 27-year-old remains one of Van Gaal's most important players as United struggle to create, but Mata has clearly been frustrated by the manager's preference for defensive football. 

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Despite the report by Don Balon, Mata recently proclaimed he loves playing in England, and he encouraged his compatriots to experience life in the Premier League, per Inside United (h/t the club's official website): 

"

I enjoy everything about football in this country. Since the moment I came over here more than four years ago, I have enjoyed every minute. I think it’s a great experience to play football here and I always say the same.

I would advise any player in the world to try to play in the Premier League for at least one season and realise how big and how massive football is in this country. We’re talking about respect from fans, great organisation in the league… I really like it.

"

Mata's comments do not sound like they are from an individual desperate to return home. However, Barca are the most successful club side in the world at present and would offer the midfielder a route back to La Liga at the very top of the division.

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Whether the diminutive Spanish star stays or go, one player who could be leaving through the exit door in Manchester is Carrick. 

Mike McGrath of the Sun said the England international is "willing to listen to offers before making a final decision on his future," and he is out of contract in the summer.

Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain were keen on Carrick's signature last summer, but the player opted to see out his deal at United, per McGrath.

Carrick can now sign a pre-contract agreement with another club, paving his way to a final move before the end of his career. 

United book author Tony Park highlighted Carrick's contribution for Mata's goals at Derby:

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Mata and Carrick are part of the furniture at the Theatre of Dreams, but United's midfield has remained stagnant despite strengthening under Van Gaal. 

Morgan Schneiderlin has effectively taken Carrick's place at the club, and Mata cannot play as a No. 10 while Wayne Rooney continues as first choice in attack. 

Both players could benefit from a swift switch to new clubs, as United attempt to fight their way out of mediocrity in the transfer market.

There were incredibly high hopes for Mata when he arrived under ex-boss David Moyes, but he has not consistently produced the magic that the starting XI demands.