Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Juan Mata and Paul Pogba Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will give Juan Mata a chance to impress before making a final decision on the player’s future.

That’s according to Mike Keegan of MailOnline, who stated the Portuguese coach is willing to give a selection of players the opportunity to prove their worth at the club, including Mata, Marouane Fellaini and Daley Blind.

"While Mata may not be the multi-functional footballer Mourinho treasures, he is expected to remain at the club—for the time being at least," noted Keegan. "The news will delight Mata, who sought assurances about his future after Mourinho's appointment. He has settled well in Manchester and has immersed himself in the city."

IAN KINGTON/Getty Images

Mourinho moved Mata on quickly when the pair were together at Chelsea, and the Portuguese’s appointment at Old Trafford triggered speculation about another potential transfer for the Spain international. According to Sam Wallace of the Daily Telegraph, Everton were exploring a possible deal for the playmaker.

While United have signed Henrikh Mkhitaryan in this transfer window, as we can see here courtesy of Squawka Football, last term Mata was the Red Devils’ creative fulcrum:

"

Chances created in their leagues last season:

H. Mkhitaryan (83)
J. Mata (53)
W. Rooney (42)
A. Martial (36) pic.twitter.com/1BpCLTAJNj

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 2, 2016"

It’s not the 28-year-old’s talent on the ball that’s ever been doubted, though. Mourinho demands an intensity off the ball and a defensive focus from all members of his squad, perhaps barring exceptional attacking talents. Mata is a willing worker, although he isn’t dynamic or physical enough to take on these duties out of possession.

Even so, a new boss often gives all squad members a fresh start, and the report infers Mourinho could alter his previously held views on the playmaker should he shine. That will serve as a source of encouragement for the former Chelsea man, although with Mkhitaryan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney and Ander Herrera in the squad, there will be no guarantee of regular football.

Paul Pogba Update

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

According to Phil Cadden of the Sun, Manchester United are on the brink of completing a world-record transfer for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. However, Juve director general Beppe Marotta has denied the suggestions.

"There has been no contact," he said to Sportitalia on Friday (h/t Football Italia). It’s also added a Bianconeri source told Mediaset Premium the Sun’s story was "rubbish." Sky Sport Italia and journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said there was no truth to the suggestions (also via Football Italia).

Cadden’s story stated the French midfielder could become a Red Devils player in the next 48 hours, with United ready to pay £105 million to get the player on board.

Needless to say, the report got plenty of Red Devils supporters excited. Here is a look at what they could expect at Old Trafford should the transfer go ahead:

The aforementioned sources in Italy seem to suggest the deal is at a much more embryonic stage than Cadden stated. Juventus, after all, will be keen to keep Pogba, who has emerged as the team’s talisman in recent seasons. Manager Massimiliano Allegri will likely want to build a UEFA Champions League-winning team around him.

As these numbers from OptaJoe noted, in Pogba, the Bianconeri have one of the most inventive footballers around:

That visionary streak is just one of many qualities Pogba possesses, though. The 23-year-old is physical, quick and showcases immaculate close control. Occasionally, he can be haphazard in his distribution and has a tendency for complicating simple passages of play, but Mourinho would be an ideal coach to eradicate these erratic traits.

While United would make a major statement with this acquisition, Juventus also seem intent on flexing their muscles this summer with the captures of players  such as Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves. Keeping Pogba would be the most impressive feat of all, though.