Why Juan Mata is the Perfect Solution to Manchester United's Problems

Last season, Manchester United were able to overcome their numerous squad issues to win the Premier League at a canter. The club did so with strength gathered from the signing of Robin Van Persie and through the sheer force of personality generated by their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

During their first summer transfer window, David Moyes and chief executive Ed Woodward set the goal of addressing United's aging roster, as well as the club's left-back position and lack of creativity in the midfield.

But Moyes and Woodward were only able to acquire Marouane Fellaini from Everton in the dying hours. The lone signing was a disappointment for United's supporters and (as of yet) the player has not proven his worth on the pitch.

Since Fellaini's transfer, Manchester United have been linked with numerous top class players, but have signed no one. As recently as this week, rumored transfer targets had turned their backs on Old Trafford.

Atletico Madrid's attacking midfielder Koke renewed his contract through 2018, while Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba (a former Manchester United player) let it be known that he had no interest in returning to his former club.

With a new manager who was inexperienced in Europe getting off to a poor start, the belief had been growing that Manchester United was no longer a destination for world class talent.

But the signing of Juan Mata will change that perception.

By acquiring Mata, Moyes and Woodward have brought in a creative, attacking player; who is a Spanish international and a member of the 2013 PFA Team of the Year. The signing will draw a line under United's recent transfer debacles and lift morale amongst some of the club's most disheartened supporters.

The Spaniard also brings some much needed quality to United's injury-riddled first team. He is also the kind of player that other top players want to play alongside. Mata was a very popular figure amongst his teammates at Chelsea, as well as in the Spanish national team.

The 25-year-old is recognised for his leadership and unselfishness. Mata can deliver passes to teammates in near-perfect positions, while also being a world-class performer - during Chelsea's 3-3 draw with United in 2012 he would have scored one of the goals of the season, had his compatriot David De Gea not conjured up a save which provided one of the year's most iconic sporting images.

The arrival of such a gifted, respected player at Old Trafford will entice other top class players to join him in Manchester, of that there is no doubt.

Is Juan Mata going to solve all of Manchester United's problems? No. The club still needs to address an aging roster, defensive issues and add to its midfield. But the signing of Mata has relieved some of the enormous pressure which has been building up around the club during the months since David Moyes' appointment.

Imagine the chaos which would have engulfed United following their League Cup defeat to Sunderland if there had been no Juan Mata transfer? The media would be crucifying Moyes and the players after last night's insipid display, and the farce of the penalty shoot-out. But Mata's imminent arrival has steered away the club away from those potential hazards.

Does Mata solve Manchester United's problems? For now, the answer is: "Yes".

Peter Quinn is an avid Manchester United fan who has previously written for USA Today and World Soccer Talk.

This piece was provided by the ManUnitedWorld fansite. You can find them on Twitter @ManUnitedWorld.