Alexis Sanchez joining Manchester United could have a very contrasting impact on Spaniard Juan Mata.
Either the Spaniard will finally get what he wants or he will be sold off as soon as the season comes to an end.
Mata has always wanted to play the No.10 role for both Chelsea and Manchester United. In fact, it is the position where the Spaniard has enjoyed most of his success – up until now though.
This season the little Spaniard has been deployed on the right wing by Jose Mourinho and he has thrived – to say the least. Juan Mata has already managed to play 22 games this season for the Red Devils and has made the right-hand side of the pitch virtually his own property.
He has been so instrumental that Mourinho gives Mata the license to roam around the final third – a liberty that is seldom allowed by the Portuguese.
Now with Alexis Sanchez coming into the picture, things are surely going to change for the Spaniard. Sanchez’s preferred position is on the left-hand side of the pitch – a position currently occupied by Martial and Rashford. But when Sanchez starts his first game at the United he will start on the left meaning Martial or Rashford will shift to the right.
So where does that leave Juan Mata?
Mata now will have to fight for the No 10 spot with Jesse Lingard – a player who himself has been in red-hot form. Mata has always wanted the role just behind the striker but has selflessly sacrificed his position for the sake of the team. Now he will have a shot at that position and if he can succeed then he will surely be staying at Old Trafford for a couple of more seasons.
If not, then goodbye Mata at the end of the season.
