Mata the man for Moyes

By David Lee Wheatley

Juan Mata completed his surprise move to Manchester United from Chelsea yesterday for a club-record fee of £37.1 million, despite prevailing concerns over the recent decline in form at Old Trafford without Sir Alex Ferguson's leadership. Yet, the Spaniards' switch from Stamford Bridge can be interpreted as a stark message from under pressure new boss David Moyes that he means business in his pursuit of a swift return to former glories.

Two-time Blues' Player of the Year Mata fell foul of Jose Mourinho's tactical thoughts on how he sees his dynamic Chelsea team functioning during this second tenure at the west London outfit, with the Portuguese preferring Oscar, Eden Hazard and Willian across the midfield, while consistently dragging the very best out of the trio.

This meant a stop-start campaign for the frustrated playmaker, with just 13 league appearances coming his way from 22 matches played so far this season. His form suffered dramatically, forcing Mata to leave a club he loves in search of regular time on the pitch. That yearning led the former Valencia attacking midfielder to join reigning Premier League champions United, a team undergoing a dramatic and painful transition following the stuttering to a halt of a hugely successful period.

A transfer of this magnitude will reassure many United fans that the Moyes era has strong potential to be just as enjoyable as the past two decades and also signifies a steely determination from the club's hierarchy to reach the pinnacle of domestic and European football once again.

While Mata's assists and goals will undoubtedly improve the current Manchester United side substantially, the requirement for further reinforcement remains obvious. With many of United's stars aging and past their best, plus no emerging clutch of young stars a la 'The Class of '92' coming over the horizon, the Red Devils must continue to scour Europe for the very best talent available. Not only will Mata's arrival spruce up the squad, it should also convince other big names to commit to deals with United in the summer.

It appears the incoming signing has signalled transfers out of peripheral players such as Fabio and Zaha, with the pair set to leave for Cardiff City, albeit only temporarily in Zaha's case. More departures are expected both this month and during the close season, as Moyes goes about reconstructing the team to suit his own vision.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will no doubt miss the skill and poise of the little Spaniard and Mourinho will desperately hope the risky decision to let him go doesn't come back to haunt him.

Messi return heralds Barça resurgence

By David Lee Wheatley

Perennial Ballon d'Or victor Lionel Messi back in action just in time for latest trophy announcement.

Lionel Messi spent eight frustrating weeks on the sidelines thanks to a niggling hamstring injury, but certainly made up for lost time with two goals in an easy victory at home to Getafe on Wednesday which suggests Barcelona are ready to finally nullify Atletico Madrid's amazing attempt to wrestle the La Liga crown from their grasp.

Iniesta gave way to the South American star after 63 minutes of the Copa del Rey clash and it was as though Messi had never been away once he began hurtling towards the apprehensive Getafe defence with his trademark slalom-running style. They simply couldn't handle a barely match-fit Messi, who exploited their frailties time and again during the final 30 minutes of a one-sided contest.

Barcelona's league form has been largely been good in Messi's absence, but there's no doubting they're a much tougher proposition when the Argentine is orchestrating play in the attacking third. Also, it seems the 26-year-old has returned in the nick of time, as Barça travel to championship rivals Atletico Madrid for a much-anticipated meeting that could determine the ultimate direction of this season's title race.

It must have been a hugely welcome sight for fans in attendance at Camp Nou on Wednesday night to witness the resumption of Messi's season as an impact substitute. Despite his two goals, the dynamic attacker may still have to settle for a spot on the bench at the Vicente Calderon. However, what a confidence boost it'll be for team-mates and supporters alike to see the world's best footballer back in action whether from the start or later in proceedings.

Atletico Madrid have enjoyed a remarkable first-half of the campaign and will feel they have a good chance of success at home against their illustrious opponents this evening, but it will send a cold shiver down coach Simeone's spine when he reads the name Lionel Messi on the official team-sheet.

His cameo appearance on Wednesday suggests Messi is now ready to lead the Blaugrana to La Liga glory in one of the most exciting domestic seasons for many years.

Twitter: @davewh1980

Negredo: A complete centre-forward

By David Lee Wheatley

Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo banged a memorable hat-trick past the hapless Hammers on Wednesday night giving further evidence of his emergence as one of the world's most complete strikers.

The 'Beast', as he is known, truly arrived on the scene at Almeria before moving to Sevilla and becoming a regular squad member for his national team. Linked with a move to England while featuring for Almeria, nobody took a punt at that time and Negredo went on to seal his reputation with 85 goals in 180 games for the side from Andalusia.

Manchester City, under new boss Manuel Pellegrini, felt compelled to make an offer of £20.4m to take the powerful forward to the Etihad during the summer gone by and Negredo has repaid the Chilean's faith with 18 strikes in all competitions so far this campaign.

Despite West Ham United's shortcomings, the three goals scored by Negredo in City's 6-0 Capital One Cup semi-final, 1st leg routing of Sam Alladyce's men showcased a talent that has the 28-year-old being touted as one of the Premier League's greatest centre-forwards.

Madrid-native Negredo has matured into a fine striker, while nurturing a great understanding with both Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero when paired with either of his fellow forwards. Defenders seem unable to handle the sheer determination displayed by the Spaniard when going for goal and it was a hopeless task for Roger Johnson and George McCartney on Wednesday in attempting to keep him quiet.

Negredo has everything: skill on the ball; fluid movement; supreme finishing; upper body strength; hold-up ability. 29 games into his Manchester City career and Negredo has already hit 18 goals - how many more will he plunder before the season is out?

Pellegrini has come to rely on the former Rayo Vallecano trainee and some observers would suggest Aguero and Dzeko are now vying for a place alongside 'The Beast', as opposed to the other way around.

City have gone unbeaten for 9 league matches - 8 of which were wins - while rapidly approaching leaders Arsenal like a juggernaut and now sit just a point behind the Gunners. Negredo could well be the ace in the pack in Pellegrini's quest to win the title at the first time of asking.

An away trip to 8th-placed Newcastle beckons tomorrow, as City look to make it ten league games without loss and who'd bet against them in current form? Expect man-of-the-moment Negredo to be at the very heart of the action, as the Spaniard bids to cement his own position as top dog at the club during their irresistible charge towards the Premier League summit.

Twitter: @davewh1980