Despite their successes in the January transfer market, things still haven’t picked up for Manchester United. Juan Mata decided to get out of his Chelsea nightmare and join the Red Devils for a record fee of £37.1 million, however the little Spaniard has had a very limited effect so far on the struggling Manchester side.
Mata’s debut did go well however. United legend Ole Gunnar Solksjaer brought his misfiring Cardiff side to Old Trafford and United came away victorious by two goals to nil. Robin Van Persie made an instant impact upon his return to the side, needing only six minutes to score his eighth goal of the season after two months out with a thigh injury. Mata could however, sort of claim the assist for Ashley Young’s peach of a strike to make the result safe.
No more business was to be done by David Moyes in terms of incomings following the Mata blockbuster. However, many players were shown the exit door as Anderson left for Fiorentina on loan, Wilfried Zaha went to Cardiff temporarily, and Fabio da Silva followed him to Wales but on a permanent deal.
Manchester United’s next opponents were Stoke City away from home, and if there was ever to be a test for Mata in a United shirt this was it. Conditions were atrocious; wind and rain swept violently across the Britannia pitch. To begin the match, United went down to a fortunate (or rather unfortunate from United’s perspective) Charlie Adam deflected free kick. Van Persie then levelled, scoring his second in as many games following a clever ball from midfield maestro Mata. However, the game was to be won by a wonder goal from Adam with a gorgeous strike from 25 yards out. United were probably unlucky to lose the game, but it does leave them in a perilous position in the table, enhanced by Everton’s victory over Aston Villa.
United need results and fast. That fourth place spot is getting further and further away form their grasp. That Champions League spot is vital if they want to attract the big names they have been linked with in the summer. Toni Kroos, Arturo Vidal, and other big-name targets will only want to play at the highest level of club football offered exclusively in the UEFA Champions League.
Playing in the Europa League will likely not be enough to sell the club to prospective signings. Not even playing in Europe could see an Anzhi-like exodus on the red side of Manchester.
These are not your father’s Red Devils. They are not even your older brother’s. There is still time to turn things around, but with fan frustration mounting, it is now or never for David Moyes’ men.
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