Mata Signs For Rochdale After Manchester United Exit

Former Manchester United scholar Japhet Mata, who joins the League One club's academy as a first year scholar, signs for Rochdale, according to the club's official Web site.

The 16-year-old Mata who had been with the Red Devils since 2012 had been on trial earlier this year and has impressed scouts to earn a youth contract. The forward formally left Old Trafford last summer following the appointment of Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

"We're pleased to welcome 16-year-old forward Japhet Mata to the club. Mata is a former Manchester United scholar, who was with the reds from 2012 until this summer. He had been on trial with Dale earlier this year," the club statement titled "Mata Joins Dale...No, Not That One!" says.

The former Ballincollig product who is a versatile wide-man capable of playing a midfield or a left back role is set to join Rochdale's development squad and will try to entice manage Keith Hill as he continues his progression. Previously, Hill has showed willingness to give youth chances to be promoted into the senior side.

It is possible for Mata to have a more realistic opportunity to gain regular action but it will be an upheaval for such a young and inexperienced player to have a spot with the Premier League giants, especially after the arrival of million-worth signings over the summer. Just recently, Luke Shaw joined from Southampton for £27 million and Marcos Rojo joined from Sporting Lisbon for £16 million, which is a smart move for all parties as the Red Devils is set to release Japhet Mata after it became apparent that he wasn't going to make the grade, according to Give Me Sport.

Meanwhile, FBI investigated threats of violence against the Glazer family around the time it was acquiring Manchester United. The FBI squad released partially redacted records with details of threatening emails and phone calls, in response to the Freedom of Information Act request.