The Jose Mourinho era at Man United has well and truly begun with the Portuguese manager boosting his options for next season, and it has got United fans in the Football Transfer Tavern more excited than we have ever seen them.
In recent days the club have completed the signing of the mercurial Zlatan Ibrahimovic who will no doubt bring that winning mentality back to Old Trafford next season.
With the club finishing last season with their lowest ever goals scored column at 49 in the entire Premier League season it was clear where it all went wrong for Mourinho’s predecessor Louis Van Gaal.
Following the signing of Ibrahimovic the has further enhanced his attacking options by completing the £26.2 million signing of Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund.
This signing will no doubt excite the United fans and may well see Spanish international, Juan Mata head for the exit at Old Trafford as he looks set to be let go by Mourinho for the second time in his career.
Our Landlord here in The Transfer Tavern has been looking at both players and has come up with three reasons why Mkhitaryan will be a better option than Juan Mata for the upcoming season.
Versatility
The midfielder can slot in anywhere across the midfield for Man United, whereas Mata is mainly you typical number 10 who is used to link up play.
Mkhitaryan has the ability to be deployed anywhere that Mourinho considers a weak spot for United, whether left, right or more central you will always get full effort and commitment from the midfielder.
Better off the Ball
Juan Mata is not known for his harassing of opponents whilst they are in possession and is one of the main reasons Mourinho sold him to Man United two and a half years ago.
With Mkhitaryan he works hard to get the ball back and often sets up his side’s counter attacks, he is also a lot quicker that Mata which will be another bonus for Mourinho’s men next season.
More Assists and Goals
One thing that Mkhitaryan can do is assist and score goals, all be it against lower level opposition most weeks, he managed an impressive 11 goals and 15 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season.
Mata on the other hand found life tough last season and managed just five goals and six assists in 38 Premier League appearances.
United fans, we want to hear from you! How big of a step up from Mata is your new man? Or can the both fit in the same setup together? Let us know below…
