Man United transfers: ‘Juan Mata is not what Red Devils need’

Juan Mata is not the answer to Manchester United’s problems this season, according to Tony Cascarino.

The Red Devils are said to be lining up a £40m swoop for the Chelsea playmaker, who has been restricted to just 11 Premier League starts under Jose Mourinho this season.

Their biggest priority is trying to find players who are good technically and can rob the opposition of the ball

Tony Cascarino

United are currently seventh in the Premier League table, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal after a troubled start to David Moyes’ reign at Old Trafford.

And although Cascarino feels that Mata’s attacking prowess would be welcome in any team, the former Chelsea striker believes that United are in need of a player who can help win them back possession.

“I’m not sure if he is the type of player United need,” Cascarino told talkSPORT.

“He is fantastic at getting goals, technically very sound, but what stands out about Man United, as a team, is they can’t get the ball back.

“Their biggest priority is trying to find players who are good technically and can rob the opposition of the ball. It’s so important in the modern game.

“That is why Mata is not in the Chelsea team because, when they lose possession, people like Willian and Oscar are better at getting the ball back and they do the rest going forward.”