According to Metro, Manchester United legend Gary Neville has played down rumors of Juan Mata being a target for the Red Devils, claiming the Spaniard would not fit into the current setup at Old Trafford under new coach David Moyes and especially with their direct style of their attacking play.

United are struggling to find form this season, and even though it is Moyes’ first year in charge, fans are worried about the future with their rivals strengthening season-after-season. The recent 3-1 thumping in the hands of Chelsea brought Moyes down to earth, and left with much to reflect towards the end of the January transfer window and the 2-1 loss on penalties to Sunderland in the Capital One Cup has only compounded the concerns.

Mata, who has won many accolades for his excellent performances for Chelsea last season, has been linked with United in the past, but a move never materialized. With Jose Mourinho having different plans, Mata has not featured for most of the season, and has grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of first team action.

Neville, who played for majority of his career at right back for United, fails to understand how Mata will fit into a team which plays through the wings and possesses strikers like Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney up front. Mata is a creative attacking midfielder who can display his prowess on the ball more than sprinting on a quick counter attack. And Neville believes the £37 million figure being spoken about is too big a chunk of money for a midfielder who he does not feel will fit into the squad.