Juan Mata is a player we will always fondly remember Manchester United for his time as a player, starring in the first team for eight years.
The Spaniard joined the Red Devils from Chelsea back in January 2014 for a reported £37.1mfavorable considering his impressive form for the club – he continues have more than 275 performances in the process.
Mata also scored 51 times for United, including a brace against bitter rivals Liverpool that secured all three points and a rare win at Anfield.
He would eventually leave in 2022, joining Turkish side Galatasaray on a free transfer after his contract at the Theater of Dreams expired.
However, 11 years after his big money transfer to the club, a new boss Reuben Amorim has a chance to repeat such a deal in a turn for one Premier League star.
According to The Sportzine, Man United have made contact with representatives of the Chelsea star João Félix due to a potential move to Old Trafford this month.
The Portuguese only moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer, joining the Blues for a a fee in the region of £46m with Conor Gallagher moving in the opposite direction as a result.
However, it hasn’t been easy for the 25-year-old since his big money transfer, starting only three times in the Premier League, potentially opening the door to an early exit this month.
The report claims he is it would be permissible to leave the capital this month if they are presented with an acceptable offer, but they do not mention what compensation Enzo Maresca’s side would seek for his services.
Felix would certainly be an excellent addition to Amorim’s side, boosting his compatriot’s chances of success in Manchester, while also being their own version of a player in serious demand this month.
Why Joao Felix could be Man United’s Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha has been the man in serious demand this month, unsurprising given his form for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League during 2024/25.
The Brazilian scored ten goals and recorded four assists in his 21 outings to date, with Arsenal and Nottingham Forest on two sides interested in making a move for his signature.
The 25-year-old also has he was previously on United’s radar in recent weeks, but their interest seems to have cooled as other targets such as Felix have emerged in the meantime.
Cunha’s Premier League record would undoubtedly give fans another reason to covet his signature, but despite his lack of minutes to date, the Chelsea ace has managed to outperform him in a number of key areas – leading FBref to call out the former The Atlético star as a similar player Brazilian.
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How Felix and Cunha compare in PL (2024/25) |
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|---|---|---|
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Statistics (at 90) |
Felix |
Cunha |
|
Games played |
12 |
21 |
|
Goals and assists |
2 |
14 |
|
Progressive mounts |
5.1 |
4 |
|
Progressive additions |
6.4 |
4.5 |
|
Adding accuracy |
86% |
71% |
|
Download complete |
2.4 |
2.1 |
|
Airports won |
1 |
0.4 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
||
Felix, which was previously called “world class” by former England international Glen Johnson, he may have scored fewer combined goals and assists, but he produced more progressive carries and additions at 90 to date – showing his attacking prowess this season despite his lack of minutes.
A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or carried into the penalty area.
He also managed a higher pass completion rate, along with more completions per 90, highlighting his ability to create chances inside the final third.
His lack of minutes at Chelsea since his move could allow the Red Devils to land a hugely talented player for a fraction of the price this month, boosting Amorim’s ambitions at the club in the process.
While it is unclear how much any deal would cost the hierarchy this month, he has shown that even with limited minutes he is capable of starring, potentially holding the key to transforming their fortunes in the coming months.
