juan mata # 2.
While Mata is key in a 4-3-1-2 formation, he becomes redundant in a 4-3-3 system which relies on pace in wide areas to be truly effective.
With Di Maria likely to play on the right of a front three, including Robin van Persie through the middle and Adnan Januzaj on the left, Wayne Rooney would most likely occupy an advanced midfield role, deployed just behind Van Persie.
Di Maria's pace would enable him to replicate the devastating counter-attacks displayed by Arjen Robben for Holland during the World Cup, with Januzaj offering a similar outlet on the left.
Rooney, whose own lack of significant pace has blunted his edge as a centre-forward, would then edge out Mata due to his goalscoring pedigree, vision in the final third and ability to withstand the physical side of the English game.
Mata's problem is that he becomes a square peg in a round hole in a 4-3-3 system, with his lack of pace slowing United down in a similar fashion to Dimitar Berbatov, whose own reign as the club's record signing was ultimately a hugely disappointing one.
Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck are also likely to find their prospect affected by the signing of Di Maria, but it is Mata is who set to be the most high-profile victim. - source the TELEGRAPH