Juan Mata’s peripheral role at Manchester United remains one of Old Trafford’s most curious mysteries.
Since his arrival, he’s maintained a standard only bettered by his compatriot David de Gea. Yet, for one reason or another, Mata’s unquestionable ability has never truly been appreciated by the powers that be in the red half of Manchester.
The fact that he signed for a club that housed England’s most high-profile player certainly didn’t do him any favours. But with Wayne Rooney’s spot in the starting line-up no longer a given, it’s time Mata takes centre stage.
After being named Chelsea’s Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons, Jose Mourinho’s decision to dispose of the Stamford Bridge favourite was a decision even more controversial than the recent treatment Bastian Schweinsteiger has been subjected to.
However, the Portuguese tactician has notably warmed to the diminutive playmaker since taking over the reins at United and in his hour of need, Mourinho would do well to put his faith in the very player whom he so ruthlessly discarded two years ago.
Despite coming aboard a sinking ship, Mata has been one of United’s most consistent performers, scoring 32 times and providing 20 assists in 114 appearances, many of which have come from the bench.
It’s only natural that flashy recruits like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba have featured heavily in Mourinho’s line-ups this season but both have failed to live up to expectations so far.
After starting the campaign in fine form against lesser opposition, Ibrahimovic has hit a brick wall, failing to score a league goal in the last five fixtures, his longest drought since his stint at AC Milan in 2006.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's last 5 Premier League games:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 23, 2016
23 shots
17 fouls committed
2 yellow cards
0 assists
0 goals
Poor run of form. pic.twitter.com/wMS2JOfgFX
Meanwhile, Pogba’s displays have fluctuated from world-class to utterly disappointing. The Frenchman showed glimpses of what he’s capable of against the likes of Leicester City and Fenerbahce but failed to make an impact when facing Liverpool and Chelsea.
Mata on the other hand, has consistently looked the most creative player in an otherwise ponderous United attack. The Spaniard has been at the heart of his side’s best performances this season, seamlessly linking midfield and attack with aplomb.
Michael Carrick is another midfielder whose composure in possession and ability to dictate proceedings has been sorely missed. The 35 year-old was majestic in a rare outing against Fenerbahce and complemented the likes of Mata and Pogba excellently.
Carrick pass to Juan Mata https://t.co/JZl1ywlzw1 #OldisGold #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtdUpdates_) October 20, 2016
Carrick and Mata share similar shortcomings though. Neither are the most mobile, nor physically imposing. The Englishman may not be able to feature week-in, week-out either and incorporating him alongside Mata in the middle of the park does present an alarming level of vulnerability against the better sides.
However, Mourinho is fast running out of reasons not to build his attack around Mata. United have won 13 from the 15 points on offer when the Spaniard has started as opposed to just one out of 12 when he hasn’t.
The 28 year-old does not have blistering pace, has never resorted to extravagant tricks and is not going to score 25 goals a season but the effect he has on the players around him his irrefutable.
He’s not the first player to be excluded from the spotlight at Old Trafford despite proving himself well worthy of it. Javier Hernandez was less than impressed with his ‘super sub’ tag at United, longing for a decent run in the starting XI instead.
The Mexican was never afforded that opportunity though, despite boasting a superior goal-scoring record. Even a handy loan spell at Real Madrid did not change opinion. Bayer Leverkusen snapped him up last season and Hernandez soon set about making up for the hours he spent on the bench when he should’ve been on the pitch.
With 33 goals in just 50 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, ‘Chicharito’ has scored at a frightening rate of once every 122 minutes. He isn’t the striker who will link-up play admirably, hold up the ball or score spectacular goals but he finds the back of the net and Leverkusen have profited from United’s inability to appreciate that.
.@CH14_ makes his 50th app. for @bayer04_en today. RT / ❤️ if you think he'll add to those 3️⃣3️⃣ goals! #Chicharito https://t.co/jq3HcQlDkN
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) October 18, 2016
Like Hernandez, Mata simply doesn’t have the makings of a superstar. Compared to his Ibrahimovic, his ego is non-existent while the image of him dabbing after scoring a goal would be an awkward one to behold.
Nevertheless, he represents United’s best route to regaining their footing after being forced onto the ropes in the infancy of the Mourinho era.
Another crucial encounter beckons with the League Cup setting the stage for the second Manchester derby of the season.
Mourinho needs to give Mata the platform to be the difference on the big stage; Wednesday’s fixture presents the perfect opportunity.
