Jase

True but think Mourinho will be sticking to his default formation, which is the 4-2-3-1.

One (or another) silly thing with Mata leaving is that we suddenly have to play another first choice AM for this game when he could have been rested for the West Ham game on Wednesday.

Rodriguez, Moreno etc perhaps. I said before, I actually don't care which LB we get in as long as they are quality and can be great for us. Shaw is arguably one of those as well and the fact he's English just tips it off for me. Otherwise, whoever is fine.

Inside the hottest young manager around: Feasting on carbs for brain power and fining players who don't sleep eight hours... Martinez's fascinating winning secrets An interview with Roberto Martinez in Daily Mail. Quite an interesting read that.

As Southend prepare to host Hull in the Cup, midfielder Clifford reflects on his time at Chelsea and asks 'how was I going to get past Ramires and Lampard?'

West Ham fail with late move to prevent Essien moving to AC Milan Milan agree deal with Chelsea to sign Essien as midfielder reveals he 'cannot wait' to play for Seedorf

I'm not one to believe Guillem Balague considering of his Spanish bias and dislike of Mourinho etc but he might just have a point here in relation to what Cundy said.. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/10593633/Chelsea-manager-Jose-Mourinho-did-not-speak-to-Juan-Mata-he-had-no-choice-but-to-leave.html

Are United THAT desperate to keep Rooney? Every time he throws a bit of fuss and threatens to walk away, he gets an increase in wages and now it's 300k p/w wages?! That is ludicrous and with an attitude like that, not sure I would want him here. Next thing we know, he'll be throwing tantrums and threaten us to get more wages!

The only reason I would want him here is because he's English and can replace our core of English players that we lack beyond Terry, Cole and Lampard. Otherwise, I don't really care if we get him or not. There are still some other quality left backs out there, not just Shaw. (And was just wondering if people would slam Shaw the same way they did with Mata for showing "no love or loyalty to the club" should he joins United instead...)

There's gonna be a meltdown here if United get him instead of us.

Just don't quite get the hate Mata is getting. If only people are more understanding of the situation and try to understand from his POV. Too many criticisms are being dished out without any proper rationale and/or with a blue tinted glass on.

140k p/w wages. Doubled of what he is earning here. Maybe it's a tad too much but certainly a deserved increase in wages than what he's earning here.

Term X will surely love this... Jose Mourinho still has Roman Abramovich backing despite selling Mata

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/10596427/Chelsea-manager-Jose-Mourinho-takes-swipe-at-Arsenal-counterpart-Arsene-Wenger-in-row-over-Juan-Mata.html

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho takes swipe at Arsenal counterpart Arsène Wenger in row over Juan Mata

Err, that can't be Salah...

True but people are depressed with this transfer because of the emotional attachment, just like Gotze and the Dortmund fans. It was more than just the squad status in the team.

Wayne Rooney close to agreement with Manchester United over new five-year deal to stay at Old Trafford

Chelsea's José Mourinho will press for new contract for John Terry

Even though Pellegrini complained, at least his points made much more sense. Wenger is just complaining on the transfer in isolation and for the sake of it.

This, after Juventus last season.

Speaking of THAT night, one of my favorite moments then...

Exactly. *sigh* Think the fans might show some support on Sunday.

Maybe so but think that's probably because, collectively it feels that way once you read up all the posts.

He has spoken before on his admiration for the fans and been always thanking us for the support. So, don't think he will.