Juan Mata

[iseah100 5,612]

No, because I never rated him.

NEVER? Not even during the Liverpool years?

[Special Juan 27,439]

NEVER? Not even during the Liverpool years?

Nope. Did well at Liverpool but still never got over excited on him and never wanted him here at all.

[Laylabelle 9,384]

He got another

[Pizy 18,419]

This is probably the Mata we're going to see regularly again next season when they buy better players.

[Stats 7,059]

Already one PL goal behind Torres. Embarrassing but shows that when he is played in his preferred position he will come up with the goods. Two games in the no.10 position and three goals.

[dee25 1,044]

Meh, I still think it was the right decision to sell him. I don't think Mourinho's system or style of play is one that allows players like Mata to excel. I rather have the 37 million, which can be put towards strengthening weak areas than a talented, unhappy player wasting away on our bench.

Funny thing is that for months many kept on pushing the "Mata only took us to 3rd place" narrative to diminish his performances last season but yet it's entirely possible we might finish 3rd again. Ironic.

[Vybz Kartel 1,613]

Did you see that flick assist for the 4th goal, tht is why Mata was useful in games against small teams parking the bus

[yuvala 2,167]

Still Mou was right IMO,

If Mata doesn't fit the system or the club's\Jose's plans for the future there's no point in keeping him especially when u get offered 40m.

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

He did score against Barcelona..not really repaying the tag at all but did something memorable..ish......

And made the Corner for drogs goal vs bayern and scored vs benfica (Final).

[Eligius 121]

does anyone know half the team newcastle fielded today?

[Special Juan 27,439]

They can field anyone they can but they have Pardew in charge.

End.

[didierforever 7,349]

good performance. getting into his groove. but he really can play only as a CAM. him behind RVP would be the best thing for united. good that its rvp who is injured and rooney who simply keeps coming into juan's area.

[Jase 43,479]

The only thing that is missing from Mata's game as a footballer is that physical capabilities such as having good stamina, pace, energy. His defensive workrate was an issue to begin with but he improved on it under Mourinho. Otherwise, he pretty much has the technical capabilities and that quick thinking to play those incisive passes, creating chances in tight situations or out of nothing. Basically, doing the things that we saw him did for us in the last 2 seasons. The funny thing about this whole situation is that I was thinking earlier if only we could merge him with Ramires. I mean, Ramires is like the opposite of Mata. Has all the physical capabilities to fit into Mourinho's system but lack the brain and technical prowess on the ball to truly flourish in the setup. Combine those two up and we would have a great player on our hands but shame that wasn't the case in any way..

[Blue Armour 4,312]

Mata has really started being influential for United, and I wish him all the best for his performances....

But I really, really cannot see him doing the stuff that Salah and Willian were doing today, with their defensive work-rate, pressing and eagerness to run with the ball. It might have worked in a different kind of team, but not in the one we seem to be building for the future.

[Las7 951]

The problem with Mata at United is Rooney playing as #10 both Mata and Kagawa are better in that position than Rooney. So either United starts using Rooney up top; or they won't utilize Mata correctly.

He would still be our second best attacking midfielder after Hazard; pity Jose doesn't rate him for his system. Like I said back when he was sold it would have been a lot better if we kept him until the summer. Simply right now as Oscar's form isn't particularly good he would have been a great option.

[kellzfresh 7,229]

Did you see that flick assist for the 4th goal, tht is why Mata was useful in games against small teams parking the bus

Did u see hazard's flick for salah to get the penalty??

[communicate 2,703]

The only thing that is missing from Mata's game as a footballer is that physical capabilities such as having good stamina, pace, energy. His defensive workrate was an issue to begin with but he improved on it under Mourinho. Otherwise, he pretty much has the technical capabilities and that quick thinking to play those incisive passes, creating chances in tight situations or out of nothing. Basically, doing the things that we saw him did for us in the last 2 seasons. The funny thing about this whole situation is that I was thinking earlier if only we could merge him with Ramires. I mean, Ramires is like the opposite of Mata. Has all the physical capabilities to fit into Mourinho's system but lack the brain and technical prowess on the ball to truly flourish in the setup. Combine those two up and we would have a great player on our hands but shame that wasn't the case in any way..

Agree such as shame that he can't flourish in Mou system.

When he is allowed to play as no free role no 10, it is just fantastic how he can dominate a game with his movement and passing.

[Sidzeret 2,257]

Your Champions League medal is en route via London to Manchester. Stay put, Juan