QUOTE(tontolou @ Oct 8 2014, 02:02 PM)
True. But lets say, if there was a healthy relationship between those 2 managers, I think ( talking a bit of c0ck now), the deal might go thru.
Who would have taught that a deal between Utd and Arsenal for the RVP deal would go thru, since the relationship between SAF and Arsene was fierce during the late 90's up to 04 or 05. Then, it mellowed down.
And in the case of Mata as well, Jose could have sold him somewhere else, might be the ridiculous price Utd gave that promted the decision, but he was their best player for 2 seasons. Could be that Jose respected SAF...or like you have said about not a direct rival, hence Jose decision to sell Mata to Utd and make some serious profit from there.
When MU bought Mata time, it was Moyes, not SAF, and when the transfer is done time, MU point tally was not that good, and was way behind Chelsea and not show any sign of rival to Chelsea or CL position.
Also, the manager may view the player doesn't good in defensive and tracking back, which could detrimental to the defensive record of the team, so selling to the rival could cause rival leaking goals.
One stone 3 birds,
1. get hefty transfer money
2. The bought rival club leaking goal.
3. Score against other rival (like Mancity, Arsenal), which may benefit Chelsea.
Don't get me wrong, I also view Mata is a good player.