Why this Spaniard should drop Man United this summer

Since joining United in January 2014 for what at the time was a club record fee hitting a cool £37.1 million, Juan Mata has failed to find a permanent place in the struggling squad. Some have called for him to be moved on or even used as a super sub but in my opinion, Mata should be dropping United – not the other way around.

When Mata joined in the winter transfer window of 2014, United lucked out. They were going through a tricky season under then manager David Moyes and were in desperate need of a player with his attributes. Enter twice Chelsea player of the year and World Cup winner Juan Mata. Praised for his ability to create space and opportunities for his forwards, Mata was a prized asset for any team.

Unless of course that team is managed by the Special One, Jose Mourinho. Obsessed with changing the forward thinking player into one that was willing to expel his energy on tracking back, Mata found himself more often sidelined than not.

Surely a player who had produced so many assists, was cherished by supporters and was part of Chelsea’s first ever Champions League winning squad deserved better than just a space on the bench. At Chelsea or Manchester United.

In his two happy years at Chelsea, Mata was their driving force creating 25 assists and 197 chances. But under Mourinho, Moyes and now current manager Louis van Gaal in almost the same time frame, Mata’s stat’s have dropped considerably to only nine assists with 92 chances created.

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So who is to blame? I don’t believe Mata is at fault. He rarely makes a starting eleven which is important to help a player not only get used to the team tactics but also to keep them match ready. Under Moyes, Mata was given more opportunities which in turn led to him scoring six league goals in his final six matches of last season proving that a run of games is everything to a player.

But unfortunately van Gaal refuses to allow the player to play in his traditional number 10 role, opting instead to use Wayne Rooney as the playmaker and others as out-and-out strikers. And while United sit in fourth with ten games to go, their performances have been highly unconvincing, leading to top players like Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao bearing the brunt of supporters’ criticisms.

I do hope United can find a way to properly integrate Juan Mata into their regular starting eleven as when he is at his best, he truly can be the difference between winning the Premier League and not even making top four. Such is the player’s vision and high level of football intelligence but he has to have the support of his manager. 

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Fortunately, if worst comes to worst, Mata will always be able to find himself a club willing to give him a chance. He has too much experience, won too many trophies and let’s be honest, he is better than many players that play his position.

I just hope United realise his value before it is too late.

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The five signings Arsenal fans want this summer

Arsenal’s current run of eight consecutive wins in the Premier League has lifted them in to second and with an outside chance of pipping Chelsea to the title.

That probably won’t happen, but the slight fears that they might just miss out on a top four spot have been put to bed with a late surge in form that could see them finish the season as runners-up.

But if Arsene Wenger’s side are to mount a serious challenge for their first league title since 2004, they’re going to need to invest wisely in the summer transfer window.

Summer signing Alexis Sanchez has been on fire in his debut seasons at the Emirates, while Mesut Ozil’s flashes of brilliance suggest he has so much more to offer in an Arsenal side flirting with domestic success after over a decade of suffering in the shadows of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Wenger’s reluctance to spend big money looks to be in the past if Arsenal’s last few transfer windows are anything to go by, so it’s fair to say the Gunners faithful are expecting more big name arrivals ahead of next season.

Arsenal have been linked with 36 players already, so we asked Arsenal fans to vote thumbs up or thumbs down on each and every one of them.

305 Gooners had their say and, now voting has officially closed, we’re bringing you the five players they want Arsene Wenger to splash out on this summer without fail.

So, here goes…

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5. Petr Cech

The 32-year-old Czech shot-stopper has been relegated to the Chelsea subs bench since Thibaut Courtois returned from his loan spell with Atletico Madrid in the summer.

Given that Cech is still one of the world’s best goalkeepers, it’s no surprise he’s considering a move away from the club where has made over 330 Premier League appearances in an attempt to finish his career on a high.

Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law revealed on Sunday Supplement recently that Chelsea will allow Cech to pick the club he’d like to join in the summer, instead of prevent him from joining a top four rival.

And that’s great news for Arsenal, who are lining up a move for the ‘keeper, according to the Metro.

And with Wojciech Szczesny’s Arsenal career in doubt, Wenger probably sees Cech as an idea first choice keeper for the next couple of years, though that would mean David Ospina being unfairly dropped back to the bench.

Still, Arsenal fans appear to be in agreement, with 116 voting in favour of a move for the Blues keeper.

4. Paulo Dybala

The 21-year-old Argentine has burst on to the scene this season with some phenomenal performances for Palermo over in Italy.

The wonderkid has netted 13 goals in 29 league appearances for Rosanero so far this season, which has led to some of Europe’s elite clubs showing a serious interest in his signature.

Arsenal are one of those sides and, if MirrorFootball are to be believed, they’ll be making a move for him in the next week or so, with a £29million price tag placed on the striker’s head by club President Mauro Zamparini.

Danny Welbeck’s injury record – which has subsequently hindered his goal scoring record – this season will have worried Wenger, so it’s no surprise he’s thinking of bringing in another goalscorer this summer.

Arsenal fans feel the same, obviously, and would love to see Dybala swap pink for red before the start of next season. Surprisingly, 57 Gunners fans don’t want him at the Emirates next term, but it’s ok because 110 do.

3. Alexandre Lacazette

keep

Staying on the subject of strikers, there’s a certain Frenchman catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs at the moment.

Banging in 24 league goals in a season is always going to get you noticed, no matter what league you’re playing in, which is why 21-year-old Alexandre Lacazette is being linked with the world and his wife.

The youngster has broken on to the scene with Lyon this season and Arsenal appear to be interesting in bringing his goal scoring exploits to the Emirates Stadium as Wenger goes in search of a Premier League title.

The fans want him, too, with 153 Gooners voting him a thumbs up in our recent poll.

The striker revealed last summer that he turned down advances from Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle in order to go head-to-head with Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Ligue 1’s Golden Boot.

He’s certainly gone and done that, and he’s also increased his value in the process.

It appears to be a straight arm wrestle between Arsenal and Liverpool for his signature this summer. Who will get him?

2. Raphael Varane

Despite signing Brazilian Gabriel Paulista in January, Arsenal fans are still crying out for another centre-half this summer.

Laurent Koscielny is struggling to keep himself fit and Per Mertesacker is admittedly no longer the spring chicken he perhaps used to be.

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So Arsene Wenger is probably right to be looking around Europe for a decent centre-back to come in partner Gabriel in the heart of defence next season.

Real Madrid’s Varane is being touted as the ideal man to do just that, but Arsenal face stiff competition from Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho making it no secret that he is a big fan of the 21-year-old defender.

According to the Metro, Real Madrid have agreed to allow Varane to leave the Bernabeu for as little as £20million this summer, which is probably why Arsenal fans are so eager for Wenger to tempt the France international to north London.

Given his age, his potential and current price tag, it’s no surprise 168 Gunners fans voted for Varane, while just 22 aren’t too keen.

1. Morgan Schneiderlin

Anyone else getting sick and tired of Arsenal’s reported persistent interest link with Morgan Schneiderlin? No? Just me, then.

Anyway, it’s certainly no secret that Arsenal have been crying out for a decent defensive midfielder ever since they sold Alex Song to Barcelona in 2012.

The emergence of Francis Coquelin has perhaps dispelled the rumours linking Arsenal with the Southampton’s Schneiderlin in recent months, but that doesn’t mean Arsenal fans no longer want him.

The Saints midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates since last summer, and even publically announced his anger as the St. Mary’s outfit told him he wasn’t allowed to leave the club while they went about flogging half of their squad to Liverpool.

Since then he’s proven to be an important player in Ronald Koeman’s Southampton revolution this season as they surprise everyone by challenging for a top four finish, or at least a spot in next season’s Europe League.

So that’s why 194 fans voted for the France international, while the 19 fans who voted thumbs down are probably content with Coquelin and another challenge for a top four finish.

31-goal ace suggests Arsenal made transfer mistake with him

Benik Afobe has hit out at Arsenal by claiming that he feels he could have made it at the Emirates Stadium and that he’s feeling “unstoppable” now he’s at Wolves.

The 22-year-old striker has notched a staggering 31 goals this term during a loan spell with MK Dons (19) and in his time at the Molineux (12) – he sealed a permanent move to the Midlands over the winter.

Afobe’s tally puts him one ahead of Spurs sensation Harry Kane, while suggesting that he does indeed have the talent many suggested he possessed while with the Gunners.

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Although he’s had to drop down the Football League ladder to find game time and justify his reputation, the pacey forward believes that he could have succeeded at Arsenal if he was given the chances he needed:

“I had self-belief [at Arsenal] but when you play week in, week out you’re going to get more confidence – it’s a different type of confidence – it’s one to know you’re unstoppable,” he is quoted by Goal.

“It doesn’t matter what league I’m playing in I’m going to score. It’s the mentality you’ve got to change to be a top goalscorer and I’ve realised that.

“All the top goalscorers who score week in, week out like [Lionel] Messi and [Sergio] Aguero, they believe they are going to score before they’ve had a chance and that’s the only difference between a top goalscorer and an average striker.

“I wanted 30 goals. I got to 30 and now I want to keep scoring, I want to get to 35. People have asked ‘what’s my favourite goal?’ I always say ‘the next one’.”

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Afobe made only a handful of outings for Arsenal, spending much of his north London career out on loan with the likes of Huddersfield, Reading, Bolton, Sheffield Wednesday and MK Dons.

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Why investing in a proper strike-force should be Arsenal’s priority this summer

It gets said every year but the coming summer window feels like a particularly important one for Arsenal. After ending the season on a run of 13 wins from their final 18 league fixtures, many expect them to launch their most viable title charge for almost a decade next year – providing they add a few more key components via the transfer market.

The majority of speculation has centred around a new goalkeeper and a powerful central midfielder, with Petr Cech and Morgan Schneiderlin emerging as the priority targets respectively, but in my opinion, finding something more than just Olivier Giroud up top is equally pivotal for Arsenal this summer if they intend to take next year’s Premier League crown. Here’s why.

From a tactical perspective, the France international is perfect for Arsenal. The height and power of his 6 foot 4 frame represents the physicality the Gunners desperately lack throughout the spine of their starting Xi and has been instrumental in bringing Arsenal’s supremely talented midfield into the game – especially against high quality opponents – over the last few seasons. Likewise, his deft flick-ons and intricate one-twos are a key part of Arsenal’s build-up play; one ponders how the north Londoners would fare with a less technically adept, less tiki-taka friendly striker leading their line.

Yet, the fundamental requirement of any centre-forward – scoring goals regularly – is where Giroud leaves a lot to be desired.

41 goals in 97 appearances is by no means a poor return by Premier League standards, almost one-in-two spread fairly evenly across his three campaigns, but an interesting and important trend has emerged over the last few seasons in the English top flight.

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Since 2009, not one club has lifted the Premier League title without their top goalscorer netting twenty times or more. Even Diego Costa, despite missing twelve games through injury, managed to hit the 20 mark this season as Chelsea claimed the crown. Giroud, on the other hand, has never scored more than 16 during a single Premier League campaign – and that was during his busiest to date, where the Frenchman made 36 appearances.

Of course, there will be anomalies to this rule. Arsenal had 15 different goal scorers in the Premier League this season, ranging from top scorer Alexis Sanchez to midfield enforcer Mathieu Flamini, the most of any club in the division and only five shy of Manchester United’s record-breaking 20 during the 2012/13 campaign. So in theory, Giroud’s goals can be made up elsewhere in the team as the Gunners hone in on next term’s title.

But it was evident enough during Arsenal’s recent barren run, which saw them go three games and 56 shots without a goal; the 28 year-old lacks the predatory anticipation of a natural poacher and the ability to create his own scoring opportunities from nothing, in the same manner as Chelsea’s Diego Costa or Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero. He lacks that spark of ingenuity, that level of passion and drive.

Whilst the former is essentially a one-man counter-attack and the latter has the bizarre knack of bullishly willing the ball into the net, shoulder-barging, elbowing, tricking and tackling his way through defences singlehanded, Giroud requires consistent service and usually a few decent, well-worked chances to convert. In a nutshell, the 28 year-old too dependent upon the performances of those around him to ever be a genuine match-winner.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the Frenchman needs replacing outright, flogged for loose change this summer as the Gunners find a more prolific successor. But if not an upgrade, then variety is clearly required. Danny Welbeck offers something a little different and Arsene Wenger has talked up Theo Walcott as a centre-forward in recent weeks, but in my opinion both lack the consistency to man the line for extended periods – as the former proved earlier this year during Giroud’s absence through injury.

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Arsenal need a strike-force. A proper one, that isn’t simply Giroud and two converted wingers. Take a look at the embarrassment of riches at Manchester City or Manchester United’s trio of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez during Sir Alex Ferguson’s ultimate season. As aforementioned, what the Gunners lack most is a natural poacher who can convert opportunities of his own incarnation. Someone like Porto’s Jackson Martinez or Sevilla’s Carlos Bacca, speedy, powerful and instinctive strikers who always threaten the space behind opposition defences, would be ideal.

But with other positions taking priority and Wenger’s faith in Giroud seemingly unconditional – not to mention the likes of Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell lurking in the background – the prevailing concern is that the issue of an improved strike-force will be put on the backburner for another season. Although a goalkeeper and a physical midfielder are both important additions, my ultimate question is this; does Giroud score enough to win Arsenal a title? Based on his first three seasons with the Gunners, no.

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Boom or bust… This Man United pair face a defining season

Sergio Ramos is the latest blockbuster defender being linked with improving the shaky Manchester United defence this summer, and even though Louis van Gaal marched the wounded red side of Manchester back into the Champions League, it’s clear that new defensive recruits are the Dutchman’s priority.

World Cup winner Mats Hummels and Valencia hard man Nicolas Otamendi are other exciting names to have been made it onto United’s radar, however, little has been made of the two contract extensions given to their current crop of centre halves – England internationals Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. Often criticised and (Jones particularly) the subject of many a meme, Van Gaal has seen fit to extend their spells at Old Trafford.

Smalling is a man plucked from relative obscurity. The former Fulham defender cut his teeth with non-league outfit Maidstone before Sir Alex Ferguson fought off competition from Arsenal to sign the defender. Despite making almost 150 appearances for the club, he’s often been viewed as clumsy and error prone. Following the derby day defeat to Manchester City back in November, Smalling was branded “stupid” by van Gaal. His rash challenges in the defeat has summed up his United career until that date up perfectly – frustrating and seemingly out of his depth.

As the season progressed and Man United improved, so did Smalling. The hesitant almost languid looking defender we had seen dismissed at the Etihad had matured into arguably Manchester United’s best centre-back. His marshalling of Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett against Arsenal’s feather footed technicians gave us a glimpse into what Smalling could grow to be. Goals against Burnley and Manchester City (redemption?) proved he could also be a viable asset at the other end of the pitch.

Smalling seems to have proved his worth ahead of, arguably, the Red Devils’ most important season to date. Back in the big time, it is imperative Smalling continues his development against the best strikers in Europe.

Who knows, could Chris Smalling be the defensive rock England build their assault on EURO 2016 around?

Jones, on the other hand, is perhaps tainted by Sir Alex’s famous “he could be our best ever player” gaffe. Jones’ career simply hasn’t followed the upward trajectory mapped out for him by the famous old Scot. The gurning, galloping enforcer has been shifted around the backline for both club and country, even making appearances in midfield. Whatever position he’s played in, it is hard to truly argue he has done much to justify his £17m transfer fee.

Still, Jones is a Premier League winner and a fully-fledged England international. It would seem silly of United to let him go right now, but it appears unless he improves in a Chris Smalling type fashion (and how many Utd fans ever thought they would hear those words?), this will be his last contract at the club.

Even Van Gaal’s comments upon the renewal seemed to hint at a last chance saloon. Describing the former Blackburn man as a “relatively young defender”, it seems the window of opportunity for Jones is closing. Despite signing the new deal, the ‘relatively’ young defender must age quickly as United press on, or he’ll be left behind like some sort footballing Peter Pan. Jones cannot be young forever, as much as we would all like to be, and his improvement must be tangible.

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The cynic would say his new deal is much more of a contingency plan than a reward.  Should he be allowed to leave and indeed fulfil the potential Sir Alex saw in him somewhere else, United would again look like fools. If, however, we do not see a marked improvement from Jones, he may not even finish his recently signed contract at the club.

This tale of two centre halves has the potential to be a rousing success for both club and country. Though not the finished article, Smalling has shown it is possible to flourish at a big club amid criticism.  It’s time for Jones to follow, or face being left behind as Manchester United enter a new era.

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Man United fans are not happy with Chris Smalling after Leicester draw

Manchester United are now 13 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City after a disappointing draw away to Leicester on Saturday.

The Red Devils looked like securing all three points against the Foxes after a Juan Mata double cancelled out a Jamie Vardy opener. However, Harry Maguire popped up in injury time to score a last minute equaliser and send the visitors home dejected.

The England international finished smartly after catching out Chris Smalling, who appeared to be injured in closing stages of the game.

The failure of Smalling to not move into a less vital position or deal with the danger has enraged supporters, who can’t believe their side threw away a lead so late in the game.

Man United will be hoping they can put the dropped points behind them on Boxing Day when they host Burnley at Old Trafford.

Now so far behind in the table though, is the Premier League title race already over?

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Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the Smalling situation and late conceded goal…

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Southampton fans slam club for posting Boufal video

The atmosphere at St Mary’s is not the most jovial at the moment due to Southampton’s current predicament.

The coastal club are just one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League having not won a game since November.

In fact, the team have picked up just four wins all season, which has understandably put the fans in a foul mood.

Manager Mauricio Pellegrino has received plenty of criticism from the supporters for the team’s style of play and inability to stay consistent in front of goal.

The transfer window has certainly not helped given that the club are yet to bring in some important reinforcements, particularly up front.

Theo Walcott was reportedly tipped for a return to the club where he developed as a player, but the Arsenal star ended up signing for Everton.

Earlier this week, the club posted a behind-the-scenes video of Sofiane Boufal posing in a photoshoot for the club magazine.

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Normally a glimpse into the goings on of the club would be met with some light-hearted responses, but not this time…

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Reo-Coker urges West Ham to keep Carroll

Former West Ham United captain Nigel Reo-Coker has urged the Hammers to keep Andy Carroll at the London Stadium beyond the end of this month’s transfer window.

Carroll has only scored two Premier League goals for West Ham this season, but it is understood that Chelsea are interested in signing the Englishman.

Indeed, a figure in the region of £20m has been mentioned as Chelsea look to provide competition for Alvaro Morata in the final third of the field.

Reo-Coker, however, has claimed that it would be a mistake if West Ham allowed Carroll to leave at this stage of the campaign.

Indeed, the club’s former captain has said that ‘selling him in the January window is not the right thing to do’.

Reo-Coker told Sky Sports News:

“Andy Carroll is a vital player for West Ham, even though they have picked up a few results lately.

“There’s still a long way to go this season and he’s a player they need to keep right now – for the team, the system and the way they play.

“On his day he can be a handful for even the best defenders in the Premier League and selling him in the January window is not the right thing to do.”

Carroll, who is valued at £9m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has netted 32 times in 124 appearances for West Ham since joining the club from Liverpool.

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Southampton fans rage as Promes deal delayed until summer

Southampton’s season is in need of rejuvenating as they currently sit in the relegation zone of the Premier League.

With just hours to go before the transfer window slams shut, supporters have been hoping for some good news.

Spartak Moscow winger Quincy Promes has been heavily linked with a switch to St Mary’s.

The Dutchman has scored 12 goals and created eight assists in 22 appearances in all competitions for the Russian outfit.

Southampton’s interest is understandable as Quincy is capable of treating the club’s attacking ailments.

However, according to BBC Radio Solent Sports Editor Adam Blackmore, Promes is unlikely to arrive at St Mary’s before tonight’s deadline, and instead could join the club in the summer.

The Saints’ current predicament leaves them one point adrift of safety and given that they have not won a league game since November, there is a chance that they will drop into the Championship come May.

With that in mind, it may be difficult to persuade Promes to join the coastal outfit if the club get relegated.

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The majority of Southampton fans have been left furious with the latest developments.

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Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom could select a 4-1-4-1 formation vs Sheffield United

New Leeds United manager Paul Heckingbottom takes charge of his first match when his team face Sheffield United in a Yorkshire derby at Bramall Lane on Saturday, and the 40-year-old may choose to change the formation against the Blades.

Former boss Thomas Christiansen favoured the 4-2-3-1 system during his six months in charge of the Whites, but his successor often used a 4-1-4-1 formation at previous club Barnsley.

This meant that the Tykes had two out-and-out wingers and two more creative players in the middle of the park ahead of a player sitting in front of the back four, and Leeds certainly have the personnel to line up like that against Chris Wilder’s men this weekend.

Heckingbottom is likely to go with a back four of Vurnon Anita, Pontus Jansson (if he is fit to start), Matthew Pennington and Laurens De Bock, and new boy Adam Forshaw may well be asked to play the role just in front of the two centre-backs at Bramall Lane.

The new width would allow Gianni Alioski to remain on the wing, while Stuart Dallas could make a rare start on the opposite flank after his cross led to Sol Bamba putting through his own net in the 4-1 defeat against Cardiff City last weekend that saw Christiansen get the chop.

That would leave Ronaldo Vieira, Kemar Roofe and Pablo Hernandez fighting for the two spots in the middle, with Pierre-Michel Lasogga or Tyler Roberts likely to start up top.

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It will certainly be interesting to see what Heckingbottom decides to go with on Saturday, as he looks to get off to a positive start and end the club’s run of seven matches in all competitions without a win.

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