22 Jan 2014 16:07:53
Call me mad, but there is a possibility that Jose deliberately wants to sell us Mata.

1)We get Mata, we come stronger and and possibly even beat Arsenal & Man City, Chelsea's title challengers. Hence, Jose could go win the PL.
We can't have any direct clash with Chelsea, with Champions League being the only possibility where Mata would be cup-tied.
2)Probably it's a sweetner for the Rooney deal in the summer.
3)Lot of money for a player.

1.) 22 Jan 2014
These reasons have been mentioned by just about every journalist ever.

2.) 22 Jan 2014
This has been said many a time, old news. IMO I'm sure Mourinho wouldn't sell on a short term plan however, because there will be many seasons following this season where Mata could help influence our title challenge. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm sure Jose wouldn't sell only based on this season. Yet on the flip side, if they won the league, it would only influence more players to join them in the summer. The Rooney point is interesting, surely if that was the case though Jose would want re-assurances from the player himself that he would be prepared to move to Chelsea, and that alone provides many obsticles i.e. current players talking of playing for other teams, United allowing such talks to be held etc

3.) 23 Jan 2014
Thing is, rooney can buy out of his contract in the summer so it can't of been part of any deal he is free to go where he wants