No loss to United imo, he is on par with the defenders they have already so wouldnt have been an upgrade. Didn't understand why United wanted a no mark Arsenal reject anyway. Barca will be fine having **** defenders, they only need to defend in 2 games out of 38 (the El Classicos) in the other 36 games the defenders are there to make up the numbers.
I can only guess it was for his experience and flexibility as a squad member. And that he was available and Arsenal were willing to sell. I think his experience would have helped Evans and Jones progress, tho' we obviously weren't all that serious about pushing for the transfer given that we refused to swap Smalling - no point swapping one mediocre squad player for another.