Frustrated with lack of opportunities at Stamford Bridge after the return of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea, Juan Mata made a surprising switch to Old Trafford in January, 2013.
Despite enjoying the tag as a top player for the second half of the season, Juan Mata seem to be facing the same challenge he faced earlier in Chelsea and he will need to grab his opportunities when they come his way.
Louis Van Gaal recently explained he isn’t pleased with Wayne Rooney performances as a s striker as well as Mata’s performances as a midfielder which led to the Dutch tactician playing Wayne Rooney as a midfielder.
This has paid off for him and remains a bad news for Juan Mata as he prepares to fight the same issue he faced in Chelsea under Jose Mourinho.
Juan Mata is a highly creative player with ability to score goals as well and he has shown that so far this season but the manager wants more from the Spaniard.
The suspension of Wayne Rooney from the next three matches will give Juan Mata a chance to secure his place in the starting line-up but the recent performances of Adnan Januzaj for the U-21 team will pose a big threat to Juan Mata.
It is obvious the manager wants a dedicated, hardworking and committed midfielder and Juan Mata will need to step up his level of performances if he is to remain in the team.
The manager may be justified in his way for playing Mata from the bench but it must be said that Manchester United performed better against QPR where both Mata and Rooney played together than the matches against West Ham and Leicester City.
The use of three natural strikers is a very risky move by the Dutch tactician but it’s believed Van Gaal understands the team better than anyone else.
Against Leicester, the team paid for the line-up as they didn’t have any option on the bench in terms of strikers.
Mata’s error in the match may have added to his present condition in the team but it must be said that Mata is a quality player regardless of his work rate defensively.
Radamel Falcao is yet to open his goal scoring account for Manchester United and will be hoping he can as soon as possible to build up his confidence although he has been involved in two goals in the last two matches.
Tactically, Louis Van Gaal is pleased to switch Wayne Rooney behind the two strikers but he is left to ponder on the next way out after Wayne was dismissed on Saturday and will miss the next three matches.
Mata will have to perform at his best against Everton if he gets the chance to play as the Spaniard future at Old Trafford is uncertain thanks to reports suggesting former club, Valencia CF of Spain is highly interested in bringing him back to the Mestalla.
