Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are having a heated debated over the number 10 role at Old Trafford next season.

There could be a midfield merry go round next summer with many a player coming to the end of their contracts and clubs looking thin on the renewal front. Indeed, there some big names up for grabs, according to our locals anyway, and United have been heavily linked with one in Mesut Ozil for the majority of the season. That would see the German reunite with the manager who arguably got the best out of him at his time with Real Madrid.

The Red Devils have eight players coming to the end of their contracts in 2018 with Juan Mata being one of them, though he’s been linked with a move to Real Madrid of late. Although the Spaniard is a firm fan favourite here in the Tavern, manager Jose Mourinho has already shown the World Cup winner the door once before, so you can’t see him being afraid of doing it again despite a potential fan backlash.

Our Landlord is currently playing a Mata V Ozil top trumps style game with our regulars to see who’s contract would be best grabbing…

Round 1: Strengths

Juan Mata: The Spaniard can play right across the attacking midfield line being comfortable on either flank as he is down the middle. His strong points are his range of passing, free kick taking and looking for the opening to cut through the opposition.

Mesut Ozil: The former Real Madrid man set La Liga alight playing in his favoured position where his rival can play in several, Ozil’s strength is playing in the number 10 role. His strong points include the ability of crossing, set pieces and how to create a chance for the strikers out of nothing.

WINNER: JUAN MATA

Round 2: Goals and Assists

Juan Mata: Since Ozil’s arrival in the Premier League season 2013/14 Mata as made 98 league appearances for both Chelsea and United and in that time he’s assisted 18 times and found the back of the net on 22 occasions.

Mesut Ozil: Ozil arrived with a big assist reputation from Madrid and has not failed to live up to the hype helping his Arsenal teammates score with 44 assists and bagging 24 goals himself in 120 appearances.

WINNER: MESUT OZIL

Round 3: Weaknesses

Juan Mata: What Mata lacks in pace he makes up for in his ability to read the game unfolding, his pace holds him back from being a box to box midfielder, but that’s not in his makeup and he’s not the best when it comes to tackling.

Mesut Ozil: Similar to Mata, Ozil’s weakness is defending but his passing range more than makes up for it although a lot of fans get frustrated with what looks like laziness when he fails to get back and try to help out the team.

WINNER: JUAN MATA