Juan Mata – No Question About That

The Mkhi-Mata LP

March 17, 2017 by Thariq Amir

At the season’s start the suggestion that José Mourinho would start with both Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan would have been summarily dismissed. The notion that the pair could be picked in the same team has seemed fanciful for much of the campaign. After all, Mata and Mourinho shared a chequered history together at Chelsea, while Mkhitaryan was frozen out of the first team picture altogether for a large chunk of the season. Yet, the duo could be the club’s most important combination as United enter the business end of the season.

He’s Juan of United’s best, but it Matas little in José’s grand plan

December 19, 2016 by Adam Joseph

Articles

José Mourinho, Juan Mata

Juan Mata’s recent years in the Premier League have been an enigma. While successful, the Spaniard has often appeared to be a square peg in a round hole. Somehow, and with great credit, the Spaniard has made his time at Manchester United work. The player’s style is unrecognisable from his time at Chelsea and Valencia, with his defensive workrate significantly improved, making Mata both more useful, and more modern.

Three records, £200 million, one question: why hasn’t United got the best out of world-class talent

October 27, 2016 by Ed

Articles

Angel di Maria, Juan Mata, Paul Pogba, Transfers

Paul Pogba’s tough start to life at Manchester United is reflective of the struggle the club has faced in turning record acquisitions into real success since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. In fact United has failed to extract the most from its last three record purchases: Pogba, Angel di Maria, and Juan Mata. While the players’ performances, attitude and commitment can sometimes be called into question, it also clear that the United has made precious few plans for what to do with the club’s shiny new toys.

Mata vs Mkhitaryan: the fight for the right

August 29, 2016 by Adam Joseph

Articles

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, José Mourinho, Juan Mata

Competition for places is a necessity for success. It keeps players at their sharpest, maintains motivation and, ultimately, is a factor driving the club forward. The introduction of a new manager can create a situation where competition is particularly important. Early performances create lasting impressions – a fact players under José Mourinho’s new regime already know.

The unlikely lads

August 24, 2016 by Thariq Amir

Articles

Antonio Valencia, Daley Blind, José Mourinho, Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini

When José Mourinho waltzed into Old Trafford eyes were quickly cast at the playing squad. Who would be retained; who would be shipped out? There were a few names that immediately stood out as destined for the chop, but after the Community Shield and first couple of Premier League fixtures a number of these unlikely lads have stepped up to prove their worth to the Portuguese manager. Some could become components in a potentially successful season.

Data Rant: Mata could survive Mourinho’s arrival

June 23, 2016 by Jay Shon

Articles

Data, Juan Mata

In the previous Data Rant column, midfield was identified as key area for Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United. It is not simply about strengthening a weak area in United’s squad – the analysis suggest that improving the Reds’ midfield will improve the team’s goalscoring too.

Two years on Mata is no closer to fulfilling his promise

March 18, 2016 by Jay Shon

Articles

Juan Mata

Even in the current inflated transfer market, £37.1 million is a lot of money. Juan Mata, Manchester United’s record signing at the time of transfer in January 2014, has not yet justified the fee. While Mata’s class is clear, the Spanish midfielder has failed to become the star man so many expected.

Juan Mata’s role at the heart of Van Gaal’s new look attack

March 6, 2016 by Adam Joseph

Articles

Juan Mata, Louis van Gaal

The world’s best attacks are now summed up in acronyms. BBC (Benzema, Bale, Cristiano), MSN (Messi, Suarez, Neymar). They’re catchy and memorable. So what to call the new look Manchester United frontline; the M4 perhaps? Memphis Depay, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata may have finally found a winning formula at Old Trafford – and it’s the Spaniard who is at the heart of a positive attacking renaissance.

The clock is ticking on Juan Mata’s Old Trafford career

January 8, 2016 by Adam Joseph

Articles

Juan Mata, Louis van Gaal

January 25th, 2014. Ex-Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata makes his grand entrance at Manchester United, arriving aboard a helicopter at Carrington to meet Ed Woodward and David Moyes, as the Spaniard moves in a then club-record £37.1 million transfer from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford. Almost two years to that day Mata could be heading for the exit, with the rest of this season potentially determining his future. Read More

Data Rant: accommodating Rooney

November 7, 2015 by Jay Shon

Articles

Data, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney

Louis Van Gaal has been criticized of late for his insistence on possession-based tactics. Manchester United fans have become disenchanted by the perception of dull football and some have even taken to accusing Van Gaal of having lost touch with the fanbase. Read More

juan-mata

The Mkhi-Mata LP

He’s Juan of United’s best, but it Matas little in José’s grand plan

Three records, £200 million, one question: why hasn’t United got the best out of world-class talent

Mata vs Mkhitaryan: the fight for the right

The unlikely lads

Data Rant: Mata could survive Mourinho’s arrival

Two years on Mata is no closer to fulfilling his promise

Juan Mata’s role at the heart of Van Gaal’s new look attack

The clock is ticking on Juan Mata’s Old Trafford career

Data Rant: accommodating Rooney