In the summer, Liverpool refused to sell to a direct rival (Arsenal). ManU apparently refused to sell to a direct rival (Chelsea).
However, we are now part way through the season and it would appear that Chelsea are about to sell Mata to a direct rival namely Man U. This sale will undoubtedly strengthen ManU.
As Wenger says...... Chelsea have already played ManU twice this season and it could be totally innocent on Chelsea's part ...... but what a coincidence
ManU are sitting seventh in the table and still have to play all Chelsea's direct rivals (bar Spurs) - Arsenal, City, Liverpool, Everton, Southampton, Newcastle and even Villa.
Is this 'fair'? Should the rules be changed to prevent this kind of 'coincidence' happening in the future?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25863298
Arsene just might have a point...
posted on 23/1/14
comment by Brennie Babes (U8994)
posted 57 seconds ago
What. He didn't sell players to direct rivals for tactical reasons that would benefit his club though did he. Chelsea will benefit from this transfer in the short term
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You think Chelsea would sell one of their best players, for £37m just for the impact he'll have for the rest of United's season?
posted on 23/1/14
Sterling Work, course I don't agree with what Chelsea are doing either but the last person you'd expect to come out critisicing the "fairness" of a transfer would be the messiah Mr. Wenger.
And yeah Mata is a great player despite whatever Mourinho says or does, he's been in the top 3 PL performers for a while now and will provide United with a timely boost.
posted on 23/1/14
comment by Brennie Babes (U8994)
posted 1 minute ago
What. He didn't sell players to direct rivals for tactical reasons that would benefit his club though did he. Chelsea will benefit from this transfer in the short term
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No, there is the potential for Chelsea to benefit from this short term. No guarantee whatsoever. Arsenal/City could hand Utd a beating regardless.
The longer term view however is that Chelsea are selling Utd a talented player who is likely to be a key component of their rebuild.
I can't believe for a second Chelsea are doing this for short term benefit. I'm really surprised other people are thinking this way!
posted on 23/1/14
Nah I think it's more a case of balancing the books. I still think it's a ridiculous decision by mourinho. If Rafa had even suggested selling mata he would have been bur t at the stake
posted on 23/1/14
comment by Silky i.e. the footwork of Philippe Coutinho (U18225)
posted 1 minute ago
Sterling Work, course I don't agree with what Chelsea are doing either but the last person you'd expect to come out critisicing the "fairness" of a transfer would be the messiah Mr. Wenger.
And yeah Mata is a great player despite whatever Mourinho says or does, he's been in the top 3 PL performers for a while now and will provide United with a timely boost.
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I don't have a problem with what Chelsea are doing. Not in the slightest.
Wenger commenting on rival clubs isn't exactly new. He's done it for years. Didn't Mourinho call him a voyeur once?!
posted on 23/1/14
I don't have a problem with it either, at the end of the day they can transfer players to whoever the bloody hell they want. It's just the deal is slightly surprising given that Mata is a class player and will undoubtedly help United climb up the table. But on yesterdays performance it's going to take a lot more than Juan Mata to sort out their problems
posted on 23/1/14
So NO other manager talks about other clubs,no.
A Mr Benetez talking about 'facts' springs to mind.
posted on 23/1/14
Whinge whinge whinge. All Wenger does really
posted on 23/1/14
Whinge whinge whinge. All Wenger does really
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Of course he does,and all Mr Rodgers does is talk about how LFC are title contenders, lol.
posted on 23/1/14
Arsene looks silly when he makes such comments.
10 years to build a team and he's still focusing on others preparing excuses
Won't be long before Jose revisits the 'Voyeur' comment. As for Mata, its about Jose's ego. He's basically saying I'm so 'loved' at Chelsea I can do whatever I like and the fans will lap it up. I can sell one of the very best players to a big rival and still win....I am Jose!
Shame City will leave him feeling sick & it will end in tears at the end of next season