Catalyst
In the same way Mezut Ozil was a 'catalyst' signing for Arsenal, Mata could act as the same for United. His 'big name' status will give lift and impetus to all those Old Trafford. It should inspire hope, confidence and belief, three absolute key traits under the Sir Alex Ferguson era that have been missing of late. The actual signing in itself should go some way to bringing back the key ingredients of United's winning ways.
Attack
United have been incredibly unlucky with their injuries to Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. The purchase of a world class attacker in Juan Mata goes some way to easing their loss, and when they return the three could create a formidable attacking triumvirate. Where goals have been a problem this season, the creativity and offensiveness of Mata should go some way to finding a solution.
The Premier League
With Mata comes none of the stigma attached to the likes of Shinji Kagawa and Juan Sebastian Veron, who performed wonderfully across Europe and failed to deliver in England. Mata is a proven player in the Premier League, having won Chelsea's player of the year award two years in a row. There should be no worries about his acclimatisation to United.
Long-term
Mata at £37 million would break United's record transfer fee, but it would not be a waste should he fulfill all of the criteria above. On top of that the Spaniard is a mere 25, fitting in with the recent Manchester United policy of not signing players over 26. He could be a long-term asset to the club, not just a short-term fix.
Caveats
The signing of Mata does not meet the immediate needs of a new full-back and central midfielder. Neverthless, his purchase indicates a willingness to spend big and to go for world class targets, and gives confidence that David Moyes will bring in players in the required positions, if not in January, in the summer. The catalyst and attacking impetus he could bring the team may also serve as a 'stopgap' for United until the summer when they can bring in further targets. He could well inspire the team into the all important top four. At that point, in the summer, more structural rebuilding can begin.
Impact on other players
The signing of Mata will hopefully serve as a role model to the similarly creative Adnan Januzaj, whilst also serving as a new creator for United's forwards. He should also act as a motivator in terms of other players in his position.
In a more 'negative' sense, his signing may well signal the end of their careers at United for any one of Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Nani, Shinji Kagawa and Javier Hernandez. It may also prove useful should the unfortunate happen, and Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie leave the club in the near future.
