Juan Mata has joined Manchester United from Chelsea for a club-record fee of £37.1 million. The 25-year old Spanish international has reportedly signed a four-and-a-half year contract worth £150,000-a-week with United.
Mata is the second signing of new manager David Moyes after he bought Marouane Fellaini in the summer from Everton for of £27.5m. However, Mata is United's most expensive ever player.
On joining Manchester United, 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."
The top five expensive players to join Manchester United before Mata are:
1. Dimitar Berbatov - £30.75m
2. Rio Ferdinand - £29.3m
3. Juan Sebastián Verón - £28.1m
4. Wayne Rooney - £27m
5. Robin van Persie - £24m
Now the obvious question is whether paying club record fee for Mata will mean he will be a success at Old Trafford?
While it is true that United's expensive buys have endured mixed fortunes but I don't see any specific reason why he can't be a success. He is a proven dynamo in midfield and can play even on wings and can be lethal infront of the goal two. Plus, he's an international and just 25-years old.
Juan Mata has enjoyed two very good seasons with Chelsea. Had he fitted into Mourinho's plans, I'm sure the Special One would not have approved his sale.
Anyways, the fact remains that Juan Mata is now a Manchester United player. Hopefully, Mata will make his debut in Tuesday's Barclays Premier League encounter with Cardiff at Old Trafford.
Let us hope the Spainish star brings his good form and performace to Old Trafford and helps Manchester United to stamp their dominance in the Premier League.
