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01st Feb 2016

Barcelona make shock move for Manchester United’s Juan Mata

Kevin Beirne

Manchester United fans, look away now.

Louis van Gaal’s side have not been the most exciting to watch this season, with United fans critical of the lack of ambition shown under the Dutchman.

Things could be about to get a whole lot worse with Spanish-language outlet Don Balon reporting that Barcelona have made a move for United playmaker Juan Mata – and that officials at Old Trafford are ready to listen.

https://twitter.com/themanutdway/status/694087023242645506

Mata joined United from Chelsea for £37m during the January transfer window in 2014 and has since become a fan favourite.

But under Van Gaal, the Spaniard’s chances have been stifled somewhat due to his lack of defensive contributions – the same issue which convinced Jose Mourinho to sell Mata two years ago.

It’s not clear how advanced talks are at the moment about the move, but we can’t imagine United supporters remaining calm about losing such a well-liked player so late in the transfer window.