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.”