It’s been looking like a done deal for nearly a week now, and today the deal for Juan Mata to Manchester United was finally completed. He arrived by helicopter to United’s training ground this morning to undergo a medical and pictures of the midfielder wearing a United polo shirt were released later on. The move is worth a club-record £37 million.
“The agreement is subject to the medical and personal terms” said United manager David Moyes, “a further announcement will be made in due course”
Moyes and United are hoping the deal will be complete in time for Mata to be involved in the squad for their home game against Cardiff on Tuesday. Mata’s signing will be a huge boost to United and give them encouragement to improve in this second half to the season, after an under-par first half. Striker Robin Van Persie was the first of United’s players to congratulate Mata on his arrival, taking to Twitter to welcome the new signing,
“Welcome Juan Mata. See you all Tuesday” Very abrupt indeed.
Arsene Wenger also commented on the move, accusing Chelsea and manager Jose Mourinho of ‘playing games’ in this months transfer window, but Mourinho was quick to turn the critisism on its head, claiming that Arsenal recieve preferencial treatment with fixtures.
“Normally Arsenal should be happy that we have sold a player like Mata- but that is his nature. When he says that it isn’t fair, I say that it isn’t fair that his teams gets the best days to play. We all have midweek games next week, yet Arsenal get the privilage of playing on Friday while others play on Sunday’
Manchester United themselves have the weekend off after being knocked out of the FA Cup in the 3rd round, just one of the many low points in their season so far.
By Ben Kelly
