Eldesmarque has recently reported that Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata is on Real Sociedad’s radar this winter. It has been claimed that the Spanish outfit are keen on sealing a permanent move for the Red Devils attacker during the January transfer window.
Mata’s Lack Of Game Time At Old Trafford Recently
Mata has found playing minutes come at a premium for Man United during this campaign and has often been left on the fringes of their squad. The Spanish talent has only made three appearances for the Mancunian club this season, receiving a total of 151 minutes of game time across various competitions.
The 33-year-old has caught the eye in a couple of European games as he is averaging 1.0 shots, 0.5 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the UEFA Champions League. He has even been careful when linking up play with others around him after completing 89.6% of his attempted passes in European football (stats via whoscored).
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Should Manchester United Let Mata Go In January?
Mata remains a decent playmaker as he has got the vision to cut open the opposition defence with a killer pass in the final third. He can deliver some good crosses from indirect set-pieces and can even strike the ball with power and precision from long range.
However, father time is catching up with the Spaniard’s game. He lacks the pace to track back and defend when not in possession of the ball.
Currently, Mata is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford as he has fallen behind Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard in the Red Devils’ pecking order.
Therefore, it is only fair to the player if Ralf Rangnick lets him go this January as he has been nothing short of a great servant to Man United. With just over six months left to run in his contract, it will be a sensible move for Mata and the Mancunian club to part ways with each other next month.
