da pixbet： It has taken quite some time for Juan Mata to become a regular starter at Manchester United, but he has proved his worth throughout this season.
da dobrowin： When he has worked his way into the starting XI, he has helped to form a formidable, attacking side. He also has the goal of the season under his belt. Juan Mata has helped to create the team Louis Van Gaal wishes he had had all season.
As the formations and tactics were chopped and changed this season, Juan Mata has been one of the players who suffered whilst Louis Van Gaal found his feet. Along with his Spanish teammate Ander Herrera, Mata had to sit by and wait for his turn to impress. His substitution and benching problems began as early as September; he remained on the bench against West Ham as an unused sub, and then wasn’t used against Manchester City or Arsenal during the first half of the campaign.
He was used in the home game against Liverpool – one of the biggest fixtures Manchester United have – and managed to find himself on the scoresheet in an impressive 3-0 win. This proved that when given the minutes, Mata can do the job. Mata went through periods of starting, and then not starting for weeks. This was cause for concern; would he fit into Louis van Gaal’s plans? Was he right for United?
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Angel Di Maria’s second yellow card against Arsenal in the FA Cup earned him a one match ban. It also earned Juan Mata a starting place – initially as a last resort, but his time had come all the same. Mata played for more than an hour against Spurs, a game Manchester United also won 3-0.
The following week, Manchester United travelled to Anfield. Steven Gerrard’s final clash with his long term rivals. Mata was granted another start, and played the game of his life. He had already got one past Liverpool at home, but this time he bagged two away goals. His second was an easy contender for goal of the season.
The Spaniard has started every game since, and played the full 90 minutes in each outing bar the clash with Chelsea. It hasn’t been as great as hoped – three defeats on the bounce almost dented United’s top four hopes. But Juan Mata has shown why he has to be kept in the starting line up.
He scores goals – he is now the third United player to be in double figures for goals scored, along with Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie. This number would be significantly higher, had he been given more minutes this season. He has shown fight, and determination, and most importantly; he will create chances.
His partnership with Ander Herrera has proved vital in the second half of the season, and will be important for next season’s campaign.
Despite the teething problems, Mata is back and here to stay.
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