Neville Enthused By Duo's Return

Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes the return of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie will have a hugely positive effect on the squad.

Both the star strikers made their comebacks from injury in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Cardiff, Rooney replacing opening goalscorer van Persie just after the hour mark.

Neville believes the team’s recent struggles can largely be attributed to the absence of the pair, who haven’t started a match together since the 1-0 victory over Arsenal in November.

And the ex-skipper believes their return, as much as the arrival of Juan Mata, will provide a boost as the Reds seek a run of wins and climb the Barclays Premier League table.

Writing in his ambassador’s column for United Review before the Cardiff game, Neville said: "One of the biggest difficulties has been the absence of our two most clinical, ruthless players in attacking areas, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

"They have played nine times together this season and we won seven of those games and drew two. They give Manchester United a cutting edge and firepower and the concerns that everybody has at the moment will be alleviated once they return.

"They will give confidence to the rest of the squad, and the important thing now is that they dig in and push forward for the rest of the season and try to deliver the level of performance that they’re capable of as players."

Jones: Mata The Catalyst

Juan Mata's impact will improve Manchester United's fortunes this season, according to team-mate Phil Jones.

The Spain international became the club's record signing when he moved from Chelsea for a fee of £37.1m and he impressed in United's 2-0 win over Cardiff on Tuesday night in his first match since his move.

United are 13 points behind local rivals Manchester City in the defence of their Premier League title, and have started 2014 with exits from the FA Cup and Capital One Cup but Jones is confident that Mata will bring out the best in the rest of David Moyes' squad.

"It makes an impact in the dressing room when you sign a player of that calibre," Jones declared. "He is such a talented player on the ball. He has definitely lifted spirits in the dressing room and especially in training.

"We want to impress and show him that we are what we are, that we are one of the best teams to be at. He has done well and I am sure he will be a huge asset and fantastic player for Manchester United, hopefully for many years to come.

"He sees the pass that sometimes no-one else sees. If he continues to make them, I am sure we will soon be climbing the table."

United's win over Cardiff featured Robin van Persie's first appearance following a thigh injury that had kept the Dutch striker sidelined since early December.

Wayne Rooney appeared off the bench having shaken off a groin problem, and Jones says that a shrinking injury list together with Mata's arrival has already lifted spirits.

"Robin has worked hard to get back," added Jones. "We are delighted to have him, Wazza and Juan now. Bar Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick, we will be at full strength on Saturday (at Stoke) hopefully,

"When you do miss players of that stature, you need to find it elsewhere. We are just delighted to get them back and firing again."

Young Impressed By Mata

Manchester United's new signing Juan Mata has settled in well at Old Trafford, according to Ashley Young.

The 25-year-old midfielder made his debut in Tuesday's 2-0 home victory over Cardiff after completing his club record £37.1million move from Chelsea on Saturday.

Although Mata was not at his very best, the early signs were encouraging and Young feels the process has been assisted by the welcoming reception the Spain international has received from his new team-mates.

"Juan looked like he had been here for years," said winger Young, whose goal against Cardiff - United's second - came from a pass from Mata.

"He had only been training for two days and it was his first game but he has gelled straight away."

Young believes the United dressing room is a slightly more positive place following Mata's arrival.

He added: "There is a great team spirit here. There are some great characters and the banter is brilliant. I have never experienced anything like it.

"It has lifted everyone; the fans, the staff and the players.

"Obviously, as it is the transfer window, you are wondering who is coming in and what is going on. When you see a player like Juan Mata coming in it is fantastic.

"He is one of those world-class players who can fit into any team.

"When he has fully settled in he will add something special to the squad."

Ashley Young Given Six-month Driving Ban

Manchester United and England footballer Ashley Young has been banned from driving for six months.

The 28-year-old was handed four penalty points after he admitted speeding at 71mph on a 50mph section of the M6 Toll in Warwickshire in March last year.

Warwick Magistrates Court heard he already had nine points on his licence for an earlier speeding conviction.

Young's solicitor argued the road had been "quiet" at the time of his latest offence.

Manchester United Open Talks With "Multiple Parties" Over New Kit Deal

Manchester United have opened talks with "multiple parties" as they look to secure a massive new kit deal.

The Old Trafford club's 13-year deal, worth £303million, with US giant Nike is due to expire in the summer of 2015.

Nike did have an exclusivity period in which to negotiate an extension, but that has now expired.

And United, whose commercial income has increased from £46.2m to £152m between 2003 - the first season of the Nike contract - and last year, have opted to explore other options.

It is thought Adidas, Puma and Warrior have all expressed an interest in replacing Nike.

"We are currently in discussions with multiple parties regarding our global retail, apparel and product licensing business, starting in the 2015-16 season," said a club statement.

"This process is a routine practice used for our global and regional sponsorship deals and helps us maximize the value/structure of the club's partnerships."

Solskjaer Hoping To Add Wilfried Zaha To Cardiff Ranks

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes midweek conquerors Manchester United will agree to loan Wilfried Zaha to Cardiff City.

Former Old Trafford favourite Solskjaer was back in familiar territory on Tuesday as he saw his rock-bottom Bluebirds slip to a 2-0 Premier League defeat at the hands of the reigning champions.

Finding a way out of their current predicament is the challenge facing the Welsh outfit, and fresh faces will undoubtedly aid their cause.

Solskjaer has been able to complete a number of deals, with Kenwyne Jones the latest arrival from Stoke City, but he hopes there will be more to come.

His strong ties to United could work in his favour as he endeavours to win the race for Zaha's signature, and the Norwegian is confident the tricky winger will soon be added to his ranks.

He told Sky Sports on his transfer plans heading into deadline day on Friday: "Hopefully we will get Wilf on loan signed from this place, then we're looking good.

"He's got that urgency in the last third - pace, power, he will bring that along with Kenwyne in the final third. They are players who will add something to what we've already got, because we have got some great players here. I'm really looking forward to the next game."

Mata: United Feels Like Home

Juan Mata says he has been caught in a whirlwind since arriving at Manchester United, although the club-record signing admits he already feels at home with the Reds.

The Spaniard moved to Old Trafford on Saturday and was officially unveiled as the club's new no.8 on Monday. His full debut against Cardiff City followed just a day later, capping a remarkable 72 hours for the 25-year-old.

Speaking after Tuesday's 2-0 win over Cardiff City, Mata tried to reflect on his short time at United so far and explained how everybody has welcomed him to the club.

"Time has gone so quickly since I arrived here," Juan told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. "I only trained twice with the team but the welcome was amazing. The lads are really good. There is a great atmosphere. I am very happy and looking forward to the next game.

"The stadium is unbelievable," Juan went on to say. "The fans are so loud, even before the game. It has been an amazing time for me. Even social media has shown me so much. The amount of fans this club has is unbelievable.

"I have felt comfortable at this club from the first minute. The players have made me feel like this. To be honest last week I didn't train that much because of the transfer. I can improve. But I felt okay. I felt good playing alongside these players."

Having recorded a fine 2-0 victory over Cardiff, Mata is keen to maintain that winning feeling and move closer to the Barclays Premier League summit.

"We need to sustain that feeling for sure. I am always positive. If any club can come back and climb the table it is this club. We will try to win as many games as we can to the end of the season, hopefully all of them."

Mata Watch: Key Moments

ManUtd.com recounts all the key moments in Juan Mata's Manchester United debut against Cardiff City, three days after he made his £37.1million move from Chelsea...

Pre-match: Mata receives a huge ovation from the Old Trafford faithful as his name is read out by stadium announcer Alan Keegan. He acknowledges the crowd and smiles.

01’ His first touch is greeted with loud cheers. And with his second he almost finds Robin van Persie in the area with a lofted pass, but Cardiff defend well.

06’ Mata pings a lovely crossfield pass to the left flank which Patrice Evra does well to control. Young then crosses for Valencia whose header smacks the bar before van Persie heads home at the second attempt. A great move started by Mata.

19’ The Spain international almost creates a second for the Reds as he floats the ball into the area where a free Ashley Young is waiting, but the winger just isn’t able to get on the end of it. Minutes later his free-kick is flicked wide by Jonny Evans.

33’ Involved in Young’s short corner which almost leads to van Persie doubling the advantage but his cross-shot flies across the face of goal.

Half-time: Mata can reflect on a good first 45 minutes in a United shirt, with his new team leading 1-0.

55' The Spaniard quietly closes in on goal, hoping to be picked out by Rafael's pull-back from the right wing, but the Brazilian's pass is inaccurate.

59' Mata now looks more likely to make a winning debut as Ashley Young scores with a stunning strike, somewhat out of the blue after a quiet start to the second half. It will be rightly described as a 'solo goal' although Mata can claim the assist for playing the ball out wide to the left winger.

62' The new signing takes possession midway inside Cardiff's half, works his way to the edge of the box and drills a low shot towards goal which Marshall claims relatively comfortably with a dive to his right. It's his first shot for the Reds and pleasingly on target if lacking a bit of power.

63' After signing on Saturday, Mata said he couldn't "wait to play alongside him" and now the wait is over, as Wayne Rooney comes on as substitute for Robin van Persie. That trio working together in tandem remains a treat for Old Trafford to look forward to.

75' From Patrice Evra's pass, Mata clips a delicate shot towards goal, only for a Bluebirds defender to intervene and head it wide.

85' An impressive debut comes to an end as Mata is rested for the closing minutes, with Adnan Januzaj coming on to replace him.

Full-time: The Reds have beaten Cardiff 2-0 and Juan Mata can feel pleased with his performance.

Post-match: Mata is voted Man of the Match on the club's official Twitter account. The Spaniard received 68 per cent of the votes, well ahead of fellow nominees Chris Smalling and Ashley Young.

Boss: Mata Brings Versatility

David Moyes believes that Juan Mata has increased the competition for places at Manchester United squad, citing the Spaniard's ability to fulfill different roles.

The midfielder made his debut as the Reds ran out 2-0 winners over Cardiff on Tuesday evening, and provided the assist for Ashley Young's second-half strike. Moyes was impressed with Mata's contribution, and says his arrival gives him more options for the remainder of the season.

The manager said: "I can play him in any role. He can play off the left or off the right, which allows me to keep the Rooney-van Persie partnership. I'm quite comfortable with that, and he’s also capable of doing another job like the no.10 role. Wayne has dropped into midfield in some games, so we've got options.

"I know we can use Juan in different positions - I think what he'll do [wherever he plays] is take the ball. We'll get used to him and he'll get used to us. Mata scores goals and creates chances, and you can't get enough of those, especially at Old Trafford.

"Now we've got competition, I can use the players at different times and change them within games if we need to do that. I wanted to see Juan play with Robin and it was good to get him those minutes.

"The crowd gave him a fantastic reception. They saw he was creative in the early part of the game and he probably made our best chances in the first 20 or 30 minutes."

Young Thrilled By Goal

Ashley Young was delighted to get on the scoresheet during Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City and move closer to his targeted goal tally for the season.

The United winger was a standout performer against the Bluebirds, providing the cross which led to Robin van Persie breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute before netting the winner with a powerful 25-yard effort in the second half at Old Trafford.

Young has now scored three times in his last seven appearances, a fine run of form that has seen the England international catch the eye in recent weeks. Speaking after the final whistle, he was understandably elated with his goal and a good win.

“It ranks up there with my best,” Young told MUTV. “As soon as I struck it, I thought it had a good chance of going in and I think I was celebrating before it hit the back of the net. I’m delighted to get on the scoresheet, but the most important thing was getting the three points and we’ve done that. Of course I should score more. I set myself targets at the start of the season and I’m on the way. Hopefully I can build on that, so we’ll have to wait and see.

“We could have had a few more goals but we set out to get the three points and we’ve done that. We were frustrated that it was only 2-0, we spoke about it after the game and there were more goals to get. We got the victory and felt comfortable, so we’re delighted. We will build on this.”

When quizzed on Young’s sensational strike, manager David Moyes was clearly impressed and heaped praise on the 28-year-old winger, explaining why his attitude and output will him earn a regular starting berth if mixed with consistency.

“Everybody knows that Ash is capable of that and I am pleased for him because he worked hard tonight, there is a lot of competition for places and he is pushing hard to play,” Moyes told MUTV.

“He will do if he keeps coming up with some goals or creating goals. Ash put the cross in for Antonio Valencia to hit the bar which led to Robin van Persie’s goal, so he had an assist in one and scored the other. Well done to him.”

Moyes Demands More

David Moyes has demanded more from his Manchester United side despite a welcome 2-0 victory against Cardiff City.

The boss was delighted to hand Juan Mata his debut against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Bluebirds while Robin van Persie and substitute Wayne Rooney returned from injury. However, he issued a warning that there is still plenty of work to be done at Old Trafford.

"My mood has improved as I know I've got some really good players coming back," he replied, when asked at the post-match press conference if he was feeling more cheerful.

"I still want us to be more convincing. I want to win better and play much better. Don't think, because we've won, I've got a smile on my face and am happy. I'm happy for the points but, for where we want to go and the vision of how I want the team to play, I still think there is a long way to go."

The Match: Hot Ash

After the match report, we reflect on the evening's events at Old Trafford.

The Match They came to pay tribute to a former no. 20 but it was the man currently starring in the shirt who quickly showed what United have been missing for the past 11 matches. Robin van Persie eased any tension with an early goal on his return after already proving his return to fitness with a full-blooded tackle. Ashley Young scored at just the right time to extinguish Cardiff's hopes of a comeback and only the woodwork denied Antonio Valencia a third.

The Goals In the sixth minute, Patrice Evra brilliantly controlled a pass by debutant Juan Mata on the touchline and found van Persie, who touched the ball off to Young. The winger’s cross enabled Antonio Valencia to send a close-range header crashing against the bar and David Marshall somehow kept out van Persie’s follow-up. Thankfully, the Dutchman had a second bite of the cherry and thrashed it home. Young added a second just before the hour mark when lashing a full-blooded strike into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the area.

Star man Young looked bright from the outset and, of course, netted the important second strike with a moment of magic which he is always capable of producing. The England international also crossed in the build-up to van Persie's opener and was a thorn in the City defence throughout.

Sub-plots Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's return to Old Trafford as an opposing manager for the first time shared top billing with Mata's debut. There was a buzz around the ground as a result but the harsh truth was victory was vital for United in terms of climbing the table with other teams certain to take points off each other. Wayne Rooney came off the bench to provide another major positive for David Moyes while Mata clearly relished the response he received when he was withdrawn late on for Adnan Januzaj.

Opposition Former Manchester City star Craig Bellamy and ex-Red Fraizer Campbell provided much of the threat going forward with the Bluebirds mainly looking to play on the counter-attack. Seemingly not lacking confidence despite a poor run of league form, they kept United busy at the back throughout without overly extending David De Gea.

Move of the Match Following a spell of possession for the Welsh side, Mata and Ryan Giggs were heavily involved in a build-up that saw Valencia receive the veteran's crossfield pass on the right. A perfectly-timed ball to the overlapping Rafael probably deserved better than a misplaced centre that was intercepted by Kevin McNaughton.

In the Stands Solskjaer's famous tune was belted out as the first song after kick-off but the loudest pre-match roar came when the Reds' new no. 8 was announced. The Bluebirds boss turned the teams around in the first half so Cardiff attacked the Stretford End in the second half. The away fans raised a chuckle with a chant of: 'Same old English, always cheating' after Jonny Evans was clearly caught by Jordon Mutch's elbow while Bellamy played the typical role of pantomime villain, much to the home fans' amusement.

Premier League: Man. United 2 Cardiff City 0

Robin van Persie and Ashley Young grabbed the goals as Manchester United picked up a welcome three points with a 2-0 victory against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Cardiff City.

Despite the boost of an early breakthrough, the Reds were unable to kill off the visitors in the first half. Van Persie netted at the second attempt, after David Marshall saved his initial effort superbly, when Antonio Valencia's header came back off the bar.

Debutant Juan Mata was close to finding Ashley Young with a deep cross and van Persie screwed agonisingly wide but the Welsh side had clear-cut chances of their own. Craig Noone fired over after a promising run and David De Gea had to keep out a Mark Hudson header with an outstretched boot.

Cardiff also enjoyed a decent spell of possession after the interval but Young doubled the lead with a moment of individual brilliance, drifting inside onto his right foot and burying an unerring low drive into the bottom corner of Marshall's net.

It sparked more attacking play from David Moyes' men with Mata's first shot in a red shirt saved by Marshall and Jonny Evans bending wide after galloping forward with purpose. Wayne Rooney came on for van Persie and went close with a deflected drive.

Marshall parried a Valencia drive onto the woodwork after the Ecuadorian delayed his shot and turned Declan John before Mata, his replacement Adnan Januzaj and Rooney all had decent efforts. However, the visitors were competitive until the final whistle on a night when respect was paid to their manager.

Young: Let's Attack Cardiff

Ashley Young says Manchester United are determined to put Cardiff City to the sword and bring the fear factor back to Old Trafford.

While the Theatre of Dreams is historically a fortress, the Reds have lost five home games this season and most recently exited the Capital One Cup following a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat to Sunderland, albeit after a 2-1 second leg win in extra-time.

In an exclusive interview with United Review, the official matchday programme, Young explains why United must get off to good start and score an early goal to ease any unwanted nerves inside the stadium.

"It would lift everyone and that's our aim," he explains. "That's always the way we want to play – we always want to attack, especially at Old Trafford. We want to have lots of possession, create chances and put teams on the back foot and that's what we need to do from the first whistle tonight."

Asked if the fear factor has left Old Trafford, Young replies: "I'm not sure it's totally gone, but obviously a few teams have come here and taken points off us which is something the players, the staff and fans aren't used to. We don't want that to continue. We want teams to come here and fear us. Hopefully, after the first few minutes tonight, Cardiff won't know what's hit them!"

This season, United's match-going fans have been praised for their backing of the team and Young, who has been known to sit with the supporters while injured, has a message of thanks for the Red Army.

"I'd just say keep the belief," the England international states. "The support they've given us, home and away, has been fantastic. Everyone knows things haven't gone as well as we all would have liked, but the fans have always been behind us, from the first whistle until the last. We're very grateful for that support and my message to them would just be to stick with us and we'll do everything we can to repay their unbelievable support."

Boss: Everyone Appreciates Mata

David Moyes described Juan Mata as "a player that any football fan would admire" after officially unveiling the Spaniard as a Manchester United player.

The 25-year-old World Cup winner was voted Chelsea's Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons but his chances were limited under returning manager Jose Mourinho, prompting his club-record move to Old Trafford on Saturday.

Speaking to the media following a press conference at the Aon Training Complex on Monday, Moyes was delighted by his January acquisition and hailed the Spaniard's attitude to the game.

"He is a top player, he has proved it," Moyes said. "He is confident because of what he has done over recent seasons. I don't think there is any football fan who watches the Premier League who wouldn't have admired Juan Mata in recent seasons because of the goals he has scored and the goals he has made. Yes, he is confident. He has come to a club that is delighted to have him.

"I don't know him well enough yet to put words like great next to his name. Everybody who tells me about him says he is a great ambassador for football. He conducts himself very well. He is a smart, intelligent young man. From what we have seen he is all of that.

"He understands the club he is coming to. He is a Spanish international who wants to play to make sure he is in the World Cup squad. I think he can genuinely add something to what we have got. He can give us a different type of player to what we already have in the squad.

"He can play several positions and, undoubtedly if you look back over the last month or so when we have been without the likes of Wayne Rooney or Robin van Persie, what impact would he have had if we had him during this difficult period?"

When quizzed on where Mata will play for United, Moyes was reluctant to pinpoint a single position and instead pointed to the player's impressive versatility.

"I won't be surprised at what he can do for us," the boss told reporters. "He can play off the right, off the left, behind the striker. He will play any one of the three roles. We know that is what he does. He plays it in his own style.

"But he can play in any of those three positions. That is partly what we want. We want people who are flexible. We want people who can change within games as well. We don't want people to stick to one position. It will allow us to alter things if we feel we have to during games as well."

Moyes Explains Moves For Wilfried Zaha And Fabio

David Moyes is confident Wilfried Zaha is joining the right club in Cardiff City after the Manchester United manager explained his decision to let the winger and Fabio da Silva move to south Wales.

Zaha is set to link up with Cardiff on loan for the rest of the season after struggling to make an impact since Moyes' appointment as United boss.

The England international has made just two substitute appearances in the Premier League and had been linked with several teams, including his former club Crystal Palace.

However, the 21-year-old is close to finalising a move to Cardiff, who are managed by former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"With Wilfried Zaha, I'd said to him during the summer that we wanted to get him games," Moyes told MUTV. "If he played, then great, but if he couldn't, we'd get him out on loan.

"We had one or two offers for him but just felt Cardiff, at this moment in time, might be the right club.

"With Ole going there as well, he knows how the club works here and exactly what we do with the players so hopefully it will be a good move for Wilf."

Full-back Fabio leaves after making just 56 appearances for United since pitching up at Old Trafford with his brother Rafael in 2008.

Though Rafael has established himself as a first-team regular, Fabio has been unable to impress as much and spent last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers.

The 23-year-old has appeared just three times under Moyes and was sent off on his final outing in the FA Cup third-round defeat by Swansea City earlier this month.

Moyes said: "We're delighted for Fabio because he has been a great servant. His brother is doing a great job for us here as well.

"We wish him well. He had one or two options but, in the end, we felt we couldn't get him enough games.

"I said to the players, if you feel I'm not getting you enough games, come and see me. Fabio felt that so he's got a move to Cardiff."

Moyes Promises Squad Changes

David Moyes insists the £37.1million signing of Juan Mata represents his unrelenting ambition and desire to achieve success with Manchester United.

Mata has joined for a club-record fee and was officially unveiled as the Reds' new no.8 at a press conference on Monday. Speaking afterwards, the boss outlined why this deal is just part of his long-term vision and hinted at further acquisitions.

Moyes also explained he won’t stand for the disappointing form that has seen United exit two domestic cup competitions and lose considerable ground in the title race this term.

“I am not going to accept it,” the boss said. “I am disappointed we are not in a much stronger position. I am disappointed with how we have played. I ultimately take the rap for that – and I will do. But what I will do is make it right. I am going to get better players in. There will be more.

“Unfortunately, I don't think there will be more in January. But it will change. We will change and alter it around. I have said many times, I have given every player the opportunity to play and show what they can do. We have nearly done that now.

“The summer transfer window wasn't a good one for us. I was only just in the job. We were getting to know everyone and we had a new chief executive as well. I was getting to know the players and the squad. We have now had a pretty good chance to have a look at it. We have to start making some changes and we will try to make that happen.”

Mourinho Reveals Mata Regrets

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted he regrets not being able to make Juan Mata a better player on his return to Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international completed a £37.1m move to Manchester United on Saturday after failing to secure a regular place in the Chelsea side under Mourinho, despite being named the club's player of the season for the last two years.

Mourinho has preferred Oscar to Mata and he admitted he had no choice but to sell Mata after forcing him to play out of position.

"I am sorry that I didn't make him a stronger player. Maybe it was something new for him, not to be a first choice (player) in a difficult moment," said Mourinho.

"Maybe that made him, as a man, as a player, stronger but I gave him nothing to be honest and I feel sorry with that.

"I tried to make him play in a position where he was not comfortable. He gave everything and played some good matches in that position.

"We are speaking about a world champion, a European champion. It is difficult for him.

"I feel sorry for that and because of that I feel we couldn't stop him going to Manchester United, despite being Manchester United's direct rival."

Neville: Juan Mata Could Give Manchester United The Lift They Need

The signing of Juan Mata could lift the confidence of everybody at Manchester United and bring the creativity they are lacking, says Gary Neville.

The reigning Premier League champions secured the Spain international's signature on Saturday in a deal worth £37.1million from Chelsea, after the Blues' two-time player of the season failed to secure a regular place in the team under Jose Mourinho.

Sky Sports expert and former United captain Neville told Sky Sports News that Mata's arrival at Old Trafford could offer the lift that David Moyes and his side are desperate for after two cup exits and disappointing league form.

Neville said: "Hopefully Mata will have a big impact on the rest of the players because they seem flat, they've lost their confidence at times; creativity in the final third has been a problem.

"They just need to do more; they are not achieving what they are capable of. They are fantastic players who were champions six months ago, so it doesn't just go overnight but the confidence has dipped and this could be the moment where it lifts everybody at the club.

"I don't think any of the newspapers - whilst they've obviously had a lot of attention on the manager and the club over the last few weeks - none of them are saying that David Moyes' tenure is under threat because they know the football club.

"Football has gone mad with managers in the last couple of years but David Moyes will get a good few years to be able to perform here and do his work and rightly so because it's a tough job.

"I don't think the team has done itself justice at the moment - there is a good group of players here who are capable of a lot more than they are achieving at this moment in time.

"But what Mata will do is provide a great element of creativity and they need that because at the moment they are not creating anywhere near enough in the final third."

Ahead of Brazil 2014, Mata will be looking to get regular first team football under his belt to secure his place in the reigning World Cup holders' squad after only playing 90 minutes in two Premier League games this season.

Where the 25-year-old fits in at United is something Neville finds interesting because he doesn't seem him as a typical United wide player.

He said: "It will be intriguing to see where he fits in. You'd think that Rooney and Van Persie are number one and number two up front so I'd think he's going to play off the side, to the right or left.

"Obviously, Januzaj has been playing right or left in the first parts of the season so I'd imagine that between them Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Shinji Kagawa it will be intriguing to see how he fits in but one thing is for certain - he will be in because he's a quality player.

"He's a fantastic player; he's technically excellent, creates goals, scores goals. My comments last week around it were the fact that he's not a typical Manchester United player in as much as Manchester United typically in wide areas have played with wingers.

"Mata is a different type of player who isn't going to be out wide and beating men and putting crosses in. But maybe a bit of change is good."

Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney has been in talks with the club over a new contract which could see him made captain in a bid to prevent the England star from pushing for a move away.

Neville believes the club will be showing their true intent to be the best if Rooney pens a long-term contract after the signing of Mata.

"I don't know about [being captain] but I imagine that if he were to sign a new deal it will be a huge boost," added Neville.

"Everybody over the last few weeks has been drawing attention to the fact that Manchester United are on the decline.

"They've signed Mata, if they can pull Rooney in for the long term I think it would send the right messages out there that this club isn't going to go away, which it obviously isn't."

Mata: De Gea Helping Me

Juan Mata has been bowled over by the reception he has received at Manchester United.

The Reds' new £37.1million record signing flew into the Aon Training Complex on Saturday and trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Sunday ahead of his likely debut against Cardiff City.

Writing on his official blog, the Spain international admits fellow countryman David De Gea has already helped him to settle in his new surroundings.

"I'm starting on this new road, full of excitement and looking forward to keep enjoying football," he said. "I have to say that the reception from the club, team-mates, manager and fans has been superb.

"I feel even more motivated to face this wonderful challenge! I'm very happy I have the opportunity to be in a team with amazing players who have won so many trophies. One of them, De Gea, has been a good friend of mine for years and he's helping me a lot these days.

"On Sunday, I met my new team-mates and I had my first training session with them. By the way, the facilities at the training ground are [of a] top level. Spectacular!"

Rooney Link-up Excites Mata

Juan Mata is enthusiastic about linking up with Wayne Rooney for the first time, a player he describes as one of England's all-time greats.

Manchester United's new record buy trained alongside the striker ahead of the visit of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Cardiff City on Tuesday and is hoping for the chance to strike up a combination on the pitch.

"I can't wait to play alongside him," enthused Mata. "For me, he's one of the best players in the history of this country. He can score, he can assist and he can come deep to the midfield to take the ball.

"I think I'll enjoy playing alongside him. I'll try to connect with him as much as I can. I'll try to find gaps as I think that's my best kind of play - to try to assist the strikers."

Meanwhile, David Moyes stressed there is no official news on Wayne Rooney's contract talks, following reports that the striker is willing to commit his long-term future to United.

"I've left that to Ed [Woodward] and Wayne and his advisors," explained Moyes. "We'll give you an update at the right time. The right time to speak about Wayne's contract is at that time - whenever that comes around. If you want to talk about his performances, I can do. But I can't talk to you about both of them [his contract and performances] together."

Mata Admires Reds' Character

Juan Mata has admitted that he was attracted to Manchester United because of the club’s character and history.

The Spanish midfielder has joined the Reds from Chelsea and was officially unveiled as a United player during a press conference at the Aon Training Complex on Monday.

While addressing a number of issues, including the announcement that he will wear the no.8 shirt, Mata spoke brilliantly about the club's illustrious past and the Reds' reputation for overcoming the odds.

"What I like the most about this club is the character," Mata said. "It would be very difficult for us to come back and take the first position but this is the club that could do that. They fight to the end and that's the image I have of them. They always try to win titles; they fight until the end and come back from difficult moments."

Expanding on his point, Mata added: "I want to show the football I have inside me. That's what I want to do. I think the team is good, the squad is good. This season they've had some unlucky moments. I hope from now until the end of the season we win as many games as we can."

Mata has joined United in the middle of a difficult season with the Reds currently seventh in the Barclays Premier League, 14 points off the top. However, the World Cup winner is confident that his new team-mates can turn things around in the coming months.

"This is a massive club," the 25-year-old explained. "The training ground, the fans and the club - everything is massive and I'm glad to be here. In the history of the Premier League, they're the team who have won the most trophies. I think it will be great.

"I like the pressure. I think it's good to try and improve when you have pressure - people are expecting big things from me and I'm looking forward to trying to do that and make all these amazing fans happy."

Now, having come through the hectic 48 hours that preceded Monday's unveiling, Mata is keen to start his new life with United: "The history of the club, the players in the squad and the welcome was unbelievable for me.

"Coming here by helicopter, the welcome from the staff, the players and the fans on social media has been unbelievable. Now I just want to play and try my best for the team to give this confidence back.”

Mata Squad Number Revealed

Manchester United's club-record signing Juan Mata will wear the no.8 shirt.

Mata completed his move to Old Trafford from Chelsea late on Saturday night, having flown in by helicopter to the Aon Training Complex earlier in the day.

The Spain international has trained with his new team-mates for the last two days and fans could see him for the first time in a United shirt against Cardiff on Tuesday evening.

"I think no.8 is a great number," said Mata at an unveiling press conference at the Aon Training Complex on Monday.

"I like the number. I know seven is iconic here. I was speaking with David [Moyes] about it and we decided eight is a good number for me. Hopefully it will bring me luck."

The Reds' no.8 shirt was previously worn by Anderson, who made his debut for loan club Fiorentina at the weekend.

Introducing... Juan Mata

Manchester United have sealed the stunning signing of Juan Mata from Chelsea. Here, we run the rule over Old Trafford's new arrival...

Born: 28/04/1988; Burgos, Spain.

Background: Mata established himself as one of the Barclays Premier League's biggest stars after making an instant impact at Chelsea. The world-class schemer scored 12 goals in his debut season in 2011/12 at Stamford Bridge before bagging 11 in the league alone last term. A former Real Madrid 'B' player, he shone at Valencia and became one of La Liga's most influential performers. Chelsea won the race to sign him in 2011, despite reported interest from Arsenal, and he repaid their faith with a string of top-drawer performances. It was no surprise when he was voted the club's Player of the Year in both of his full campaigns in the capital, to go alongside his FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League winners' medals. At international level, the list of honours is even more impressive. Among Spain's World Cup and European Championship winners, Mata made a single substitute appearance in South Africa 2010 and scored in the final of Euro 2012 against Italy. The 25-year-old also captained Spain to European Under-21 Championship glory in 2011 and represented his country in the London 2012 Olympics.

Where does he play? Most at home in the no.10 role but he can also play out wide on the left and has the creativity to hurt defences from all over the pitch. He told Chelsea's official website: “'I'm not a striker but obviously the more goals I can score the better it is for the team. Last season I changed my position slightly and I was playing in a more central role, so that's better for me in terms of getting into the box and scoring goals. I feel I've improved my judgement of when to arrive in the box, as well as providing assists, so it's important for me to score goals. His creativity sets him apart - only two players in Premier League history boast a better minutes-per-goal-assist rate, and since arriving in England only Wayne Rooney and David Silva have set up more goals.

We have history, don't we? Mata has scored in three different games against United, including in the 3-3 draw in February 2012, when only a spectacular save by fellow countryman David De Gea denied him a free-kick winner. In October 2012, he netted a set-piece in a 3-2 defeat and hit the only goal of the game at Old Trafford last May, thanks to a deflection off Phil Jones. Before his move to England, he played twice for Valencia against the Reds in the Champions League in 2010, coming on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford after starting the 1-0 loss at the Mestalla.

Mata's First Interview

United's record new signing Juan Mata gave this interview - his first as a Red - to MUTV...

How does it feel to finally be a Manchester United player?
It's a very happy day for me, meeting my team-mates, the manager, seeing the training ground. It's a massive club and I feel very proud to be here.

What went through your mind when you heard of United's interest?
I thought, 'wow'! This is a team that has won a lot of leagues in the history of the Premier League and English league. It's amazing knowing that a club like Manchester United is interested in you. It's a good feeling.

So many great players have come to this club but you are the record signing. Do you relish the pressure that brings?
I know it is a big price but I'm confident that everything is going to be okay. I will try my best as I always have done. The squad and the manager are very good and the fans are unbelievable – we have everything to be successful.

You had a wonderful time at Chelsea and were player of the season in the last two years – are you surprised to be here in a way because it's very rare for big clubs to sell players to their rivals?
To be honest it is a bit surprising. But I have to say I'm really grateful to Chelsea, to the owner, everyone who works at the club and the fans - they voted me the best player in the last two seasons and I will always be grateful. They have been amazing with me. The last six months were difficult as I didn't play as much as I wanted to. I understand it’s a team sport so I respected that situation. But the chance to come to Manchester United was a great moment for me to carry on with my career and join another massive club.

David De Gea was waiting for you when you arrived - what has he told you about life here?
He has been texting me in the last few days saying, 'when are coming, when are you landing?!' 'Are you coming by helicopter or by bicycle?!' I am here now and I am very happy to be here, particularly with David because he is a very good friend, an amazing goalkeeper and a top guy. He was important for me in terms of coming here.

How excited are you by the prospect of linking up with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Adnan Januzaj to name a few?
Obviously for a player like me who is trying to score goals, assist goals and be a creative player it's going to be amazing to play with those kinds of players. Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Adnan, Valencia, Chicharito, Welbeck... they are all top-level players and I will try to do the best for the team.

What do you think is your best position?
First of all playing! [Laughs] I love to play. I think I can play in the three positions behind the striker. I played on the left when I arrived at Chelsea, this season I have played on the right and last season, which was probably the best season of my career, I played behind the striker. But it doesn't matter as long as I play.

You've already won an incredible amount of trophies in your career, but what do you want to achieve here?
I would like to win the Premier League. It's a very special trophy for every player that plays in this country. At this club I believe you can achieve anything. I will try my best. I am still young and have been lucky to win some trophies, but I want to win a lot more.

The manager has said he is keen for you to be involved in the Cardiff game on Tuesday - what will it mean to you to run out at Old Trafford as a United player?
Old Trafford is an unbelievable stadium to play football at. I have been here two or three times but always with rivals and now I have the chance to play there as my home. It's going to be different but it will be great because I know how incredible the fans are there.

Mata Deal Delights Moyes

David Moyes spoke exclusively to MUTV after the club completed Juan Mata's transfer from Chelsea. Here's what the boss had to say about the Reds' record signing...

How pleased are you to have signed Juan Mata?
I’m really pleased. He’s someone we’ve been interested in for a long time. We couldn’t say much about it but he was certainly on our radar for a couple of months in the hope that we could get him. I never felt we would get that opportunity because I wasn’t sure that Chelsea would ever sell him to us. Thankfully we got there and I’m delighted he’s here.

How surprised are you that Chelsea have allowed their Player of the Year for the past two seasons to join one of their traditional rivals?
I’m a bit surprised because it’s not something that tends to happen especially between Premier League teams. We’ve got a really exciting player and one I’m looking forward to working with. He did a great job for Chelsea in the last few years with his goalscoring and assists and I’m looking forward to seeing him in the red jersey now and doing it for us.

It’s notoriously difficult to get top-class players in during January but surely he is the best available?
I think he is. I said at the start I didn’t think there would be many signings even for ourselves. It wasn’t meant in any way to be negative, it was just the truth. We had been working behind the scenes and seeing if it would be possible and all credit to Ed Woodward and the rest of the staff at the club because they went and got us the player. As I said before I’m looking forward to it and the players are looking forward to it. We’ve lacked a bit of creativity and imagination in the final third of the pitch and I really hope Juan can deliver quickly for us.

People have spoken about how excited they are at seeing him link up with the likes of Wayne, Robin and Adnan…
I want to build an exciting team. That’s always the way I’ve wanted my football to be played and I’ve not known it any other way. I want to win and give the supporters something to shout about because I’ve not done that often enough. What I will say is this is the first of many more to come in time. I’m looking forward to Juan being the start of it.

Do you think Juan will relish the pressure that comes with being the record signing at a club of this magnitude?
I think when you play as well as he can then he can handle the ball and deal with the ball. When you come to Manchester United you are tested a little bit – the players will be the first ones to test him when we get him training because they’ll want to see what he can bring. I’m sure they’ll make him aware of what we stand for and what the traditions there are here. He’s a Spanish international and we’ve signed him up for a long time now. Hopefully we’ll get him playing and showing exactly what he can do.

Would you like to get him playing on Tuesday night against Cardiff?
Yes because he’s not too far away from [full] fitness. I know he has missed a few games and maybe not started quite as many games as he’d have liked, but I’d like to get him involved if I can against Cardiff.

Robson: Mata's Top Class

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson puts his seal of approval on the Reds' record new deal to bring Juan Mata to Old Trafford...

Juan Mata is a top-class player. His stats prove that. He's a good goalscorer, he creates chances for other people and always works very hard, especially when his team are on the ball. He always seems to try to move around and get on the ball. He looks a really good signing.

The intelligent way he plays will really suit the likes of Wayne Rooney, Shinji Kagawa and Robin van Persie. The way he can score goals, create goals and the understanding he can have with the forwards and midfielders at United is very exciting. He's a player who looks for forward passes and bringing people into the game – he could have a big influence on us. And at 25, he's a good age and I'm sure we'll have some really good years out of him.

The initial impact of his arrival is going to be important. It would be great to see him involved against Cardiff and if he's in the team hopefully we'll get a really good performance – from the team and from him. He can raise people around him. But you can't just rely on Mata – it's not a case of just him. He's a great player but the lads in the squad have got to get the best out of themselves. Everyone has to hold their hands up and say they've underperformed this season. It's up to them to look at each other as individuals and say, 'there is a lot better to come from me and I owe it to the club.'

For Juan, it helps that he is friends with David De Gea. If you've got a team-mate from the international stage within a club it's far easier to settle and you feel welcome. That's good that the two of them know each other – it will help. Ultimately, this is a really good signing for United. In the last two or three years we haven't gone out and paid fortunes for a player and people have said we haven't got the money to do it. I've always been informed that the club have got the money if the manager wants to buy really big. In this case United have proved they have it if it's really needed.

Crerand Salutes Mata Transfer

Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand believes the Reds' record signing of Juan Mata will boost everybody associated with the club.

The Spanish World Cup winner completed his transfer from Chelsea at the Aon Training Complex on Saturday, deeming him eligible to make his debut during Tuesday’s Barclays Premier League encounter with Cardiff City at Old Trafford.

While speaking to MUTV, Crerand welcomed Mata's arrival and explained why the 25-year-old could galvanize the Reds and help turn the team's fortunes around this season. “He’s a terrific player, a clever player,” Paddy explained.

“He was a great player for Spain's Under-21s, going back four years, and he’s been Chelsea’s Player of the Year for the last two years. The problem Chelsea had, and it’s one of the reasons they sold him, is that Jose Mourinho has got so many midfielders.

“The players will look around the dressing room and think there’s another player challenging for their position – he has the ability to play in a few. That will be a little kick up the backside for one or two who will need to do a little bit more to stay in the team.

"More importantly, it’s a big lift to the fans and it proves something to a few of them. I think some of the fans think people at the club wear blindfolds over their eyes and that they don’t see or hear things. The club know exactly what the problem is and they’re trying to address things.

“They tried to do that over the summer and unfortunately it didn’t come off. I don’t think Mata will be the last player we see come in. I think he’ll be the start. It’s difficult to buy at this time of the year, but we’re fortunate that this terrific player is available.”

Mata is now a club colleague of his great friend David De Gea and Crerand believes that alliance will be crucial to the 25-year-old settling in at United, having experienced something similar when he arrived at the club in 1963.

“There is nothing better than going to a new club and you already have someone you know,” Paddy explained. “That’s great. I remember when I first came to United, I didn’t know anyone except for Denis Law and Sir Matt brought him to the airport to meet me - which was great. It’s a big help and De Gea will be a big help to him.”

Moyes: Mata Is Just The Start

David Moyes has promised Manchester United fans that the £37.1m signing of Juan Mata will be the "first of many" arrivals at Old Trafford this year.

The Premier League champions confirmed Mata's capture on Saturday evening and Moyes, who has also been linked with a move for Southampton left-back Luke Shaw, expects the Spanish playmaker to give his side a huge lift in their bid to finish in the top four.

"This is the first, and there will be many more to come in time. I want the quality of Juan to be the start of it," Moyes told MUTV.

"I don't think we will have any more (new signings) in January - I'm still working on it and looking to do so. But hopefully it will be the first of some new signings, some new players who will arrive, more likely in the summertime.

"Undoubtedly we could all do with a bit of a lift, we have not done as well as we would have liked to do. We see this as the start, we have to look to improve and I'm going to try to bring in some new players to make that happen.

"I want to build an exciting team, I want to win and I want to give the supporters something to shout about - I've not done that often enough."

Moyes, who is likely to give Mata his debut against Cardiff on Tuesday, admitted he was surprised to be able to get the player in mid-season.

"I never felt that we would get that opportunity, I wasn't sure that Chelsea would ever sell him to us. Thankfully we got there and I am delighted he is here.

"I'm a bit surprised because it's not something that tends to happen especially between Premier League teams. I was surprised when it happened but we have got a really exciting player, a player I'm looking forward to working with, a player I think everybody in football looked at and says he did a great job for Chelsea.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him in a red jersey and doing it for us."

Jamie Redknapp: Juan Mata Can Give Manchester United 'Quality' Frontline

Only time will tell whether Jose Mourinho has made the right decision in selling Juan Mata to Manchester United - but one things for sure, the Portuguese boss won't regret it.

Mourinho has shown before he's not afraid of being ruthless to big name players - he sidelined Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas when he was at the Bernabeu - and I haven't got a problem with that at all.

Managers are under a lot of pressure and get the sack if things go wrong so they have to do what they feel is the right thing to do. They shouldn't be dictated to by anyone, whether that's the owners, pundits or fans.

Mata won the Chelsea Player of the Year award two years running before Mourinho returned to the club but if the manager doesn't feel the Spaniard works diligently enough when they don't have the ball, slows the game down in transition or doesn't fit into the mould Jose likes his players to fit into then he has to act.

He'd obviously looked at a lot of videos of Mata and Chelsea and thought 'no, he's not for me, I have other players that can win me games', and that's his call.

It helps when you have the sense of security that Mourinho has at Chelsea and the owner believes in what you're doing when you're making key decisions like that but I think it was a decision he probably made before he got to the club.

That's a shame because if Mourinho had gone in there and put his arm around Mata then he could have made him an even better player. Unfortunately he didn't see that as the case.

Personally, I think Mata is a fabulous little player.

His confidence has been beaten down this season so we haven't seen the best of him but he's a World Cup winner and a Champions League winner - and you can't say that just because Mourinho doesn't want him then he's not good enough for the top clubs.

Most other managers would have gone to Chelsea and built a team around Mata and I think he's Man United's gain.

Of course, if Chelsea go on and win the league this year then I'll happily say Mourinho got it spot on. But, if they don't, you can't say they are a better team without him. Time will tell.

The transfer is great news for Manchester United and their fans, though.

When United get Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney fit and play them alongside Mata and Adnan Januzaj they will have a quality frontline which will strike fear into anybody.

But does one signing fix their problems? No, I don't think it does.

Although the £37m spent on Mata - which is a great profit for Chelsea and perhaps £10m more than I thought he'd go for - suggests the owners are prepared to pay big money, United need at least five or six new signings to get back to the top of the tree.

United need defenders and they need another midfield player. They've got a left back out of contract in Patrice Evra, they've got centre-backs in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic who may be leaving, full-back Rafael makes a mistake in almost every game and they can't keep relying on Ryan Giggs, either.

Two years ago, before they signed Van Persie, they didn't win a trophy so this has been coming and now they need to make a number of signings to replenish the squad. You can't do that all at once, though, it will be a slow change.

Moyes' first big signing, Marouane Fellaini was a mistake and he needs to get the next ones right.

Bringing in Mata is a good start - he's a game changer who will score goals - but Moyes still has plenty of work to do before United can start to challenge at the top of the Premier League again.

Zaha Set To Move To Cardiff City

Sky sources understand Wilfried Zaha is at St George's Park for medicals ahead of their proposed moves to Cardiff City.

It is understood that England Under-21 winger Zaha will join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side on loan for the remainder of the season for a fee in the region of £1.5million.

The 21-year-old has been restricted to just four appearances for United this season, one of which came in the Community Shield win over Wigan.

A move to south Wales would allow the former Crystal Palace man some much needed regular first-team action.

With Theo Walcott ruled out of the World Cup later this year, Zaha will no doubt hope to catch the eye of England manager Roy Hodgson during his loan spell at Cardiff.

Fabio Da Silva Set For Cardiff City Switch

Manchester United's Fabio Da Silva is set to join Premier League strugglers Cardiff City.

The 23-year-old Brazil international has scored three times in 56 appearances since joining United from Fluminese in July 2008.

He has made one league appearance since ending a loan spell at QPR last May.

Fabio, who can play full-back or midfield and is twin brothers with United's Rafael, is due to have a medical at Cardiff on Sunday.

He will strengthen a Cardiff team, who are managed by former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and sit bottom of the table, one point from safety.

Cardiff, who visit United on Tuesday, are also set to sign Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones with Peter Odemwingie moving in the opposite direction as part of a swap deal.

Juan Mata: Winner And Losers In Move From Chelsea To Man. United

After a season which has lurched from one disaster to another, the capture of Juan Mata has finally given Manchester United fans something to cheer about.

Chances of silverware appear slim and the race for a place in next season's Champions League has now become crucial.

The move certainly improves United's chances of reaching the Premier League's top four and instantly boosts their attacking options, while signalling that boss David Moyes can sign world-class players.

On the other hand, Chelsea have sold one of Europe's best players - but did they cash in at the right time?
With the help of former Blues winger Pat Nevin, BBC Sport looks at the winners and losers in the £37.1m deal.

Winners

Juan Mata

To say Mata is a beneficiary seems obvious, but this is a player who has gone from being Chelsea's player of the year in the past two seasons to making only 11 Premier League starts this term, completing 90 minutes just once.

With the World Cup in Brazil looming, the 25-year-old Spain international knows he is battling against a host of world-class rivals to make it onto the plane, let alone the starting XI, so he cannot afford to sit on the bench.

Mata's growing frustration was clear to see when he was substituted against Southampton on New Year's Day and, although he has had an excellent relationship with the Chelsea fans, a desire for first-team football has ultimately seen him look elsewhere.

Only Manchester City's David Silva has created more chances in the Premier League over the past three seasons, and Mata could yet show another side to his game by galvanising a struggling Manchester United team.

"Mata is a David Moyes person," Nevin told BBC Sport. "If you look at the kind of players who worked with him at Everton and, to some degree, Preston they are honest and hard-working. If there is creativity on top of that, fantastic."

Manchester United's creativity

The issues for last season's Premier League champions have been all across the pitch this term, but Mata's arrival will at least restore a creative spark to a team which has sorely missed injured strikers Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney. An attacking quartet of Mata, Rooney, Van Persie and Adnan Januzaj is an enticing prospect.

United's scoring rate has dropped from 2.26 goals a game in the Premier League last season to 1.64 this term.

And, with Mata creating an opportunity every 28 minutes over the past two seasons, there is plenty of evidence that he can improve United's supply line.

Even with Van Persie and Rooney out, Nevin believes Mata will improve players around him.

"A player like Javier Hernandez will make the right runs if he believes that someone is going to put the ball in there," said Nevin. "And when Juan Mata is on the ball, he will see those runs and be able to time the right pass."

David Moyes

It is clear that Ferguson managed to extract far more from a squad who now look listless under their new manager.

Critics now look back to a summer where Moyes failed to bring in players in his own mould, hungry to compete for him.

The last-minute signing of Marouane Fellaini appeared desperate and the Belgium international has hardly done much to convince he will become a United great.

At least Moyes can now claim he has the ability to recruit a player of world renown who can hopefully lift the team in the same way that Mesut Ozil did for Arsenal earlier this season and Van Persie did for United last term.

There will be a lot riding on the move, however. And if Mata does not find his feet quickly you can bet that fingers will point in Moyes's direction rather than towards the Spaniard.

Wayne Rooney

Mata's arrival signals several options for Wayne Rooney and in most of them he seemingly stands to gain.

With both preferring a number 10 role behind a striker, speculation has mounted that the Spaniard's switch could see Rooney moving the other way.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho courted Rooney last summer and will be acutely aware that the England striker has only 18 months left on his contract.

But Rooney, who has been United's best player this season, could use that as a bargaining chip. He has already opened talks over a new deal that could keep him at Old Trafford for the rest of his career and make him the highest paid player in United's history.

And if he does stay there is nothing to say that he and Mata cannot forge a deadly partnership behind Van Persie.

Ed Woodward

While Moyes is still learning the ropes as United manager, there are some that regard vice-chairman Ed Woodward as equally inexperienced.

His banking background means that he does not have the football knowledge of former chief executive David Gill, who was a Ferguson stalwart.

The calamitous way in which Fellaini was bought from Everton last summer, where United missed out on his £23.5m release clause to pay £4m more, highlighted the issue.

But given that Mourinho said previously Mata was not for sale, it seems that bringing in a third-party to seal the deal was a bold and necessary move.

It will certainly improve his stock and ultimately improve Manchester United's share price after a recent slump.

Jose Mourinho

On the face of it, letting Mata go looks a strange choice by Chelsea, but they will stand to gain about £14m profit after the Spaniard arrived from Valencia for £23.5m in 2011. Mourinho said it was a "fantastic" offer from United.

The £37.1m will also help the club finances given that they reported a £49.4m loss for last year with Uefa's Financial Fair Play rules beginning to take hold.

Such is Mourinho's masterly status, though, that he seems able to put a further spin on it by claiming Mata's sale could do damage to Chelsea's title rivals.

He may have a point. Manchester United, who are seventh in the Premier League, have already played third-placed Chelsea twice this season but Moyes's team still have to face leaders Arsenal, second-placed Manchester City and fourth-placed Liverpool.

Could Mata do Mourinho a title-winning favour? Perhaps, but Nevin thinks the deal is a sign of more frugal times at Chelsea.

"If you read a lot of Mourinho's quotes, he consistently says he does not have as much to spend as last time," the Scot says. "He constantly says its a squad in transition and it's £37.1m in the bank that he can spend on players in his own image."

Spain

With Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Xabi Alonso, David Silva and Santi Cazorla all in contention for Spain's midfield at the 2014 World Cup, coach Vicente Del Bosque is not short of options.

But the defending champions could seal their status as the greatest international team by being the first European side to win a World Cup in South America.

Mata is generally not considered a starter but if Spain are to be successful they will need a fresh squad and strong competition for places from the start in a tough group.

At Manchester City, Spain team-mates Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas seem to be adapting well to the Premier League alongside Silva.

Can Mata be the latest Spanish Mancunian to put himself in Del Bosque's reckoning?

Losers

Chelsea's and United's rivals

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was quick to question the fairness of the transfer window after Chelsea sold Mata to Manchester United, having already played them twice in the league.

Perhaps he realises that Mata has enjoyed his most prolific form against the Gunners, scoring three goals and setting up two others in the four times he has played them in the Premier League. He also scored his only goal this season in the 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Capital One Cup.

Liverpool, who were known to be chasing Basel's Mohamed Salah, will also not be pleased that the Egyptian forward has appeared to have been pinched from under their noses by Chelsea. Although the Reds refuse to rule themselves out of the race for his signature despite Chelsea agreeing a deal.

Shinji Kagawa

Ferguson signed Kagawa for £12m from Borussia Dortmund in 2012 with the intention of adding a creative link between midfield and attack.

And despite a promising first season, the Japan international has yet to convince Moyes. It may be a case of the Scot seeking to stamp his own authority on the team with a number 10 of his choosing.

Mata's arrival could leave Kagawa on the bench, or worse, seeking an exit route in a World Cup year but that could play into the hands of Moyes, who may want to use the 24-year-old in exchange for reported targets at Borussia Dortmund - Marco Reus or Ilkay Gundogan.

Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp is still a huge fan of Kagawa, even if Moyes is not.

United's width

Where Mata will play under Moyes has already become a hot topic for United fans.

If all players are fully fit, then it would be hard not to see the Scot continuing with Van Persie up front with Rooney tucked in behind him. The question then arrives about their fellow attackers. Januzaj has excelled this season, playing on the left and in the number 10 role in Rooney's absence.

So Mata could slot onto the right side of a front three behind Van Persie, but does that come at a cost? The Spaniard is left-footed so tends to come inside from the right when he plays there.

Under Ferguson, United were always a team that attacked with width, but with Antonio Valencia again unconvincing on the right this season, it could be a sacrifice Moyes is willing to make.

"Does he fit in with what I would call the typical philosophy of Manchester United? I would say no," former United full-back Gary Neville has said. "Maybe they have to change the philosophy and maybe that's what David Moyes is thinking. Maybe he wants to play narrow wide players and maybe a three in midfield."

Credit: BBC Sport

Juan Mata Signs For United

Manchester United is delighted to announce that Juan Mata has completed his transfer for a club-record fee of £37.1 million.

Mata, 25, has 32 caps for the Spanish national team and has played 135 times for Chelsea, scoring 32 goals since signing from Valencia in 2011.

Juan Mata said: "I am thrilled to be joining United. I have enjoyed some very happy years at Chelsea but the time has come for a new challenge. United is the perfect place for me and I am excited at the chance I have to be part of the next phase in the club's history.

"Chelsea is a top club and I have many friends there but you cannot turn down the chance to join Manchester United. I look forward to helping the manager and the team be successful in the coming years."

David Moyes said: "Juan is one of the finest playmakers in the game today and it's a real pleasure to have secured his signature. He's been instrumental in Chelsea's recent success, with a notable 28 assists and 32 goals in his last two Premier League seasons.

"I have been impressed with the excitement he has shown to be part of the new Manchester United. I know our fans have admired Juan for some time now – he has always played well against us – and I know they will be delighted to see him in the red of United, starting on Tuesday."

Manchester United Start Contract Talks With Striker Wayne Rooney

Manchester United have begun negotiations over a new contract with striker Wayne Rooney, according to Sky sources.

The 28-year-old has 18 months left on his current deal, but the club has contacted Rooney's representatives and the offer to start talks has been accepted.

Rooney is likely to be offered a four-year extension on more than £250,000-a-week, with both United and the England striker keen to secure a deal.

Rooney was a summer target for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who this week sanctioned the sale of Juan Mata to Old Trafford.

There was speculation Mata's imminent arrival could increase Mourinho's chances of landing Rooney this summer, but that prospect now looks a distant one.

Mata, meanwhile, flew to Carrington on Saturday to undergo his medical ahead of his club-record £40m move from Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international is expected to train with his new team-mates on Sunday, although the paperwork cannot be completed before Monday.

Mourinho Defends Selling Juan Mata To Rival

Jose Mourinho has no problem with Premier League clubs buying from each other in the January transfer window.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini and Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger have both been critical of Juan Mata's move from Chelsea to Manchester United.

Pellegrini believes big-money moves between domestic rivals should not be allowed in January, whilst Wenger says the move is unfair because Mata will not play Chelsea as United and the Blues have already met twice this season.

Mata will though be able to play City, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Mourinho insists he would have sold Mata to any of Chelsea's rivals, including Arsenal, if the move was right for the player and the club.

"A team can only play with 11 players, not 12," Mourinho said. "Arsenal is full of top players, City is full of top players, and United is full of top players, so if Juan plays for them, it means somebody else is not playing.

"So why not? Every club does this in other countries, so what's the problem to do it here?

"If a similar situation happens (and) instead of us, instead of Man United, it's Arsenal or Manchester City or Tottenham or Liverpool, we would do the same.

"If the offer was the same and Juan desired to go, it would be the same."

Chelsea had two bids for Wayne Rooney rejected last summer and he does not think selling Mata to United will help them if they return with a third bid at the end of the season.

Mourinho said: "I don't think so. But I don't speak about Rooney. He's a Man United player, but I don't think so."

Spain playmaker Mata, who found opportunities limited this term, was permitted to move because all of the elements of the deal were right and because he requested to leave.

"It was a process, a difficult process for him, and not easy for me," Mourinho said.

"It's difficult for me to leave him out of the team. It's difficult for me to decide that Oscar is going to be my number 10 and that I'm going to build my team around that decision.

"And it's difficult for him to accept the situation. He's a player with status.

"He was behaving amazingly well, an example for the other boys to follow, but no happiness. With that status, it's difficult.

"Man United is obviously a big club, and when a player is not happy in this moment at Chelsea, but he loves to be in the Premier League and wants to stay in the Premier League and he thinks about the World Cup and about playing regularly every game, and he sees the stability our team has at the moment with Willian, with Oscar, with Eden (Hazard), he thought about leaving.

"He's tried to find the best option for him and he decided to go to United, which is understandable."

Mata Arrives In Manchester

Juan Mata arrived by helicopter at Manchester United’s Aon Training Complex on Saturday ready to complete his club-record transfer from Chelsea.

United announced late on Friday evening that a fee for the 25-year-old Spain international had been agreed and that Mata’s move would be completed pending a medical and the agreement of personal terms.

Mata was greeted at the club's training headquarters by Reds boss David Moyes before undertaking his medical examination on Saturday afternoon.

Fletcher Fields Fan Questions

Fit-again Darren Fletcher is now among United's top 50 appearance-makers of all time. In this interview, he recalls the first of his 320 matches so far and answers other questions from our @ManUtd Twitter followers...

Which felt better: your United debut or your first game back after illness? Gareth Mooney
My debut. I know coming back from illness was a big moment, but I always knew I would, whereas making your debut is the result of years of hard work from not just you. It’s from your family, schoolteachers, every coach you’ve ever had… I left home at the age of 15 to come to Manchester, got my head down, worked hard and eventually made my debut. That’s not a guarantee that you’re going to be a United player or even a professional footballer, but it’s a starting point, a taste of it and you want it more and more.


Who is the best midfielder you have ever faced? Aditya Anugraha
I’ve got to go back to Kaka, when AC Milan beat us in the (2007) Champions League semi-final. It’s a close one between him and Clarence Seedorf, they were both fantastic in the second leg but over the tie I think Kaka was the difference between the two sides. That night in the San Siro was him at the peak of his powers, before he went to Real Madrid and picked up a knee injury. At the time he was the best player in the world.

Would you consider becoming a manager? Mubeen Mbdulla Deen
I have thought about it. It’s something that does appeal to me, but whether I know what I’d be letting myself in for or not is a different thing altogether! I’ve done a few of my coaching badges – that was one of the things I was able to do during my illness – and although I’ve not fully decided, it’s something that I think I would like to do.

Vidic Protective Of Januzaj

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic says it is imperative that Adnan Januzaj's development as a player is carefully managed and that expectations are kept in check at such a formative stage of his fledgling career.

Januzaj has been a shining light for the Reds in his breakthrough season and the 18-year-old's creativity, particularly in the absence of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie through injury, is a source United have increasingly tapped into in recent weeks. The first-team exposure has allowed his game to blossom as he takes on more responsibility, notably at set-pieces and in the attacking third of the field, but Vidic says work done behind the scenes by David Moyes, his coaching staff and the experienced members of the Reds’ senior squad is integral to Januzaj's progress.

"Adnan has done very well," Vidic says in the latest issue of Inside United magazine, on sale now. "He is a great talent and his future is in front of him. He is still young, he's just 18. So we have to be careful with him. We don't want to expect too much too soon; the manager will take care of that. Adnan has great talent but he can still improve. He will have to work hard to achieve big things, but he is definitely capable of that.

"To be successful at Manchester United you have to perform every week. That's the challenge and that's why I say that you have to be careful with young players in terms of how they develop as a person and a player. At 18, you still have to work hard to improve and get even better. He is a great talent, a very good player. I am sure he will do all he can to succeed because he has a great future."

Sir Alex: 6 In Title Race

Sir Alex Ferguson believes there are still six teams who could win the Premier League and admits he is enjoying watching football "as a fan".

The former Manchester United boss, who is still a director at Old Trafford and has accepted a role as UEFA's coaching ambassador, believes the Red Devils' neighbours Manchester City currently look best-placed to claim the title in May, but anticipates a thrilling end to the season.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, he said: "This year for the first time it really looks as if five or six could be involved, so it's a great Premier League.

"It's still not an easy league to win. I think the English game is the most honest and is the hardest league to win in terms of the competition you face. You can lose to anyone.

"You have to say Manchester City are playing so well, there is no dispute about that, but the teams at the top at the minute must have a big chance.

"Arsenal must have a big chance. Everyone keeps writing them off, saying they won't last, but we're into the second half of the season and they are still there.

"Then you've got Chelsea, Everton, Tottenham, who are starting to do well.

"United always do well in the second half of the season, so we've got a fantastic league and we should be proud of that."

When asked about United's chances this season, he added: "United can do anything. They have got that great philosophy and history, they will always do well.

"I can watch the team whenever I want and I've really enjoyed it.

"I'm going as a supporter now and instead of suffering with the team, I'm suffering or enjoying it with the fans. I'm really enjoying watching the team play."

Mourinho: Mata's Manchester United Move Is Almost Done

Juan Mata's transfer to Manchester United will be finalised "sooner rather than later", according to Jose Mourinho.

United are expected to complete a club-record move for the Chelsea midfielder once the last details are agreed and a medical has been completed in Manchester.

And speaking at his Friday press conference Mourinho wished Mata well and confirmed the deal should go through without a hitch.

He said: "Things are going in a good direction. We allowed Juan to travel and have a medical and I think sooner rather than later things will be finalised.

"He's a fantastic player and despite not playing a lot for us in the last period could be a very important player for us. But Juan had this fantastic opportunity for him.

"It's what he wants. It's what he asked us to accept. Chelsea Football Club is proud to act this way, in an open way, in a human way."

United will reportedly hand over £37m for the Spain international, far exceeding their previous club record of £30.75m they spent on Dimitar Berbatov in 2008.

The fee also represents a hefty profit for Chelsea on a player they signed for £23.5m from Valencia in 2011.

Mata was named Chelsea's player of the year in each of the past two seasons but has been reduced to a bit-part role since Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge.

"The offer we've received we feel is the right offer for the quality of the player," Mourinho said. "It's a good move for Juan, it's a good move for the Premier League and the offer is the right offer. He was fantastic for Chelsea, and Chelsea were fantastic for him."

Responding to criticism of the sale from some supporters, he said: "If the fans are sad that Juan is leaving, I will say that we are also sad. No one is jumping around the place."

Yorke: Mata Signing Crucial

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke believes the addition of Juan Mata could provide the Premier League champions with a crucial boost to kick-start their season.

Sky sources understand a central Manchester hospital is waiting to carry out a medical on Mata, with Jose Mourinho confirming his departure is imminent.

And Yorke, who scored 64 goals for United, admitted that Spain international Mata would be a signing who would be embraced by all.

"It's the kind of thing that we expected, we've always been linked to top players," Yorke told Sky Sports.

"You just look at what Mata's done with Chelsea over the years and he's the type of player than United will welcome, the players will embrace and the fans will obviously love.

"You saw what Van Persie has done and hopefully Mata will come in and make that same impact.

"It will certainly lift the players - the season hasn't been that great for us but we still have a few games yet and I'm sure the players will be eyeing up trying to get into a Champion League place."

Sir Alex Ferguson Takes Up Position As UEFA's Coaching Ambassador

Sir Alex Ferguson has accepted a role as UEFA's coaching ambassador.

The former Manchester United manager's position was confirmed at a meeting of UEFA's executive committee in Nyon.

Ferguson has told UEFA it is "an honour and a privilege" to take up his new role, which will involve chairing an annual coaches' forum and sitting on the technical study group for the Champions League and the European Championship.

He said: "Since the Champions League began and we've had coaches' conferences every year, all the coaches have made great contributions.

"With the experience I've had I hope I can continue to help young coaches, in particular, in an industry which is becoming more difficult.

"I had a conference in Budapest recently with a lot of young coaches, and I tried to get the message across that they need to sacrifice and they need a good philosophy in football.

"I hope my contribution at UEFA will be exactly that - to help young coaches and to help the present coaches in the Champions League format. I look forward to the challenge, and I thank Michel Platini for giving me this opportunity."

Ferguson, who retired at the end of last season but remains at Old Trafford as a director, also challenged coaches to follow his lead and cut out diving among their own players.

"It is an element of the game we don't like seeing," he said. "I have tried to address it myself with some of my players over the years.

"When Cristiano Ronaldo first joined us he had that dramatic action but he listened very carefully that you can't do that and he improved tremendously. He has been an even better player because of it.

"We had an issue with Ashley Young last year or two years ago and he's tried hard to address it.

"It's up to the coaches, I think they have got to influence players that they have to be better than that. But it's not just in England, it's common in a lot of countries."

Kagawa Exit Talk Played Down

Shinji Kagawa's agent has played down talk linking the Manchester United playmaker with a move away from Old Trafford before the close of the transfer window.

The Japanese star's future has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks and it has been suggested the imminent arrival of Juan Mata from Chelsea could signal the end for Kagawa at Old Trafford.

Kagawa has struggled to show his best form at United since arriving at the club from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2012 and has been unable to hold down a regular place in David Moyes' side.

The 24-year-old has made only seven starts in the Premier League this season and has failed to score so far, fuelling talk of a move back to Dortmund or a switch to Atletico Madrid.

Kagawa's agent, Thomas Kroth, insists the links with a move back to Germany are just a rumour and that Mata's possible arrival will not affect his future at United.

"At this moment I am sure Shinji will stay. There has been no contact and so it is just rumours," Kroth told Sky Sports.

When asked if Mata joining Man Utd would affect Kagawa's future at the club, he said: "No, it is my opinion that he will stay."

Tim Howard Has Backed Manchester United To Finish The Season Strongly

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard is in no doubt that Manchester United will finish the season strongly and challenge the teams above them in the Premier League.

United lie seventh in the table, six points behind Liverpool, who currently occupy fourth position and a Champions League spot.

But Howard, who spent four years at Old Trafford after signing for the club as a direct replacement for Fabien Barthez in 2003, expects United to bounce back before the end of the season.

"I have no doubt they're going to be right in the thick of it," said Howard.

"I have a feeling what we think now is not going to be the case come May 11 because they're obviously the reigning champions and they still have a lot to prove to everyone.

"I still expect them to come good and push us and push the teams right in the hunt so we'll see what happens. Hopefully we can keep them down there but I think they'll have a lot to say about it."

Howard believes David Moyes was always going to find Sir Alex Ferguson a difficult act to follow but insists United's players must take greater responsibility for the way the team have performed this season.

"I think this season was always going to be one where everyone had an eye on them," Howard said. "Sir Alex Ferguson steps down so there was always going to be a lot of scrutiny on Manchester United.

"David Moyes has been under a lot of criticism and one thing I'll say is he's never kicked a ball for Manchester United.

"As players you have to stand up and be counted. It's a very easy thing to talk about the manager and unfortunately that's the pressure of being the manager.

"But you know what he's never kicked a ball for Manchester United and those players who are playing won the title last year so they're a damn good team."

Freiburg Coy On Fabio Talk

Freiburg have refused to confirm or deny their interest in landing Manchester United full-back Fabio.

The Bundesliga outfit are reported to be favourites to land the 23-year-old who has barely featured under David Moyes this season.

Freiburg director Klemens Hartenbach has admitted Fabio is a good player, but refused to confirm they were in talks over him.

Hartenbach told kicker-Sportmagazin: "Of course. I am aware of the quality of Manchester United's Fabio.

"Still it's all I would like to say on that transfer speculation!"

Manchester United Slip To Fourth In Deloitte Money League Of Richest Clubs

Manchester United have dropped to fourth place for the first time in a list of the world's highest earning clubs.

United's total revenue has increased from £323.7m to £346.5m in the last season, but they've still been overtaken by Bayern Munich in Deloitte's Football Money League report.

That has been put down to the German club's UEFA Champions League and domestic success, helping increase their revenues by 17 per cent to £352.5m.

The report puts five English clubs in the top 20. Sheikh Mansour's Manchester City have risen to sixth position in the table, putting them above Premier League rivals Chelsea (7th) and Arsenal (8th) for the first time.

Tottenham Hotspur maintained their 14th position. Deloitte say other English clubs such as Everton, Newcastle United, and West Ham United could challenge for top 20 positions next season because of the new Premier League broadcast deal.

The combined revenue of the top 20 clubs, almost all of which grew during 2012/13, increased by 8 per cent to £4.4bn, much faster than the global economy.

Real Madrid top the money league for the ninth consecutive year, beating Manchester United's previous eight-year run, with total revenue of £424.2m. Barcelona hold onto second spot.

Austin Houlihan, senior manager in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte said: "Whilst Manchester United drop one place in the money league, a number of the club's recent commercial deals will boost revenue in 2013/14, so this fall to fourth place may only be temporary.

"These deals, combined with the impact of the improved three-year Premier League broadcast deals from 2013/14, mean they are likely to get close to the €500m (£408.7m) revenue mark in next year's money league.

"Beyond 2013/14, consistent qualification for the Champions League is key in United challenging to regain top spot in the money league, a position it last held in 2003/04."

Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: "Real Madrid remain firmly at the top of the money league, even though the club experienced a trophy-less end to the 2012/13 season.

"Despite tough economic conditions, particularly within Spain, the club's ability to generate substantial commercial revenue both domestically and internationally is central to their success. This helped widen the gap to their nearest rivals in the money league, FC Barcelona, to €36m (£29.4m)."

In addition, Paris Saint-Germain climb into the top five. The club's revenue has almost quadrupled to £326m since 2010/11, and includes commercial revenue of £208.2m - the highest ever single revenue source from a football club.

Houlihan added: "PSG are the fastest climber in this year's money league, claiming the highest ever position for a French club. They are the country's sole representative in this year's top 20.

"We expect to see them become a mainstay in the top five in years to come, backed by their ambitious Qatari owners and strong commercial support.

"The high-profile signing of David Beckham in the second half of the 2012/13 season only served to enhance the club's worldwide profile.

"Importantly, commercial success off the pitch is translating into improved on-pitch performance for the club, including winning their first Championnat title in 19 years."

Manchester City moved up a place to sixth in the standings and Houlihan insists City have made stride in terms of their global presence.

"Manchester City's growth this year is particularly due to commercial revenues," he said. "Like a lot of other clubs they are growing their brand internationally and that has contributed to significant commercial growth."

Galatasaray and Fenerbahce's appearance in the money league, following successful campaigns in European competition, make it the first time since 2005/06 that two clubs from outside the 'big five' European countries appear in the top 20.