Why Juan Mata should never be considered the “fall guy” at Manchester United

Juan Mata showed against Queens Park Rangers just why he should remain in United’s starting XI.  Often linking up with Angel Di Maria and Daley Blind.  he is the guy that helps United to maintain width on the counter attack in a 442 diamond.  He is the important link between the wingers and the two strikers and Daley Blind who has a holding role as part of the back 3, controlling the pace of the game when going forward

Juan Mata is the one that provides rhythm in the final third for Manchester United, receiving the ball from Daley Blind and try to use his rhythmic passing to create space for others.  He is the type of player than fits into the team seamlessly.  The way Juan Mata and Daley Blind plays football brings a lot of illusiveness, they don’t do anything flashy with the ball, they are there to do their job.  The key to their illusiveness is one touch football.  Once the ball is passed, they move, you barely see them standing still, they always seek for the ball.

While Daley Blind is the one pulling the strings and the one that could make a pass to any player on the pitch as shown in the diagram above, Juan Mata is the player that is seeking for those short passes, maintain the team’s tempo in the attack.  Blind is the one responsible to push the ball up the pitch, but Juan Mata is the player that provides constant movement in the final third, seeking for the ball. When Blind drops to the back 3 on the attack, it is also curtail for Mata to hold his position and keep the wingers and the forwards stringed together.

Robin Van Persie have not been mentioned enough when talking about United’s issues in the final third, he does not seem to have as good of a playmaking ability as Wayne Rooney does.  He relies on a good ball and making runs, which could happen with the new addition of Daley Blind and Angel Di Maria, He looks as though he is rather a one diminutional player.  He would often wait in the box and would be caught off side a several ovations.  He has yet to find the form he had 2 seasons ago when United won the title by 11 points.  

Radamel Falcao would be a better combination with Wayne Rooney, utilising is pace and allow Rooney to drop back slightly and pick out a pass, as shown in the counter attack to set up Ander Herrera for the second goal of the match against QPR.  

This might sound bizarre, but Robin Van Persie would make a brilliant super sub for Manchester United.  He has gone missing far too often in matches, failing to find the back of the net in the first four Premier League games.  It has to be noted that all of the players who have started in forward and central midfield against Queens Park Rangers have scored for Manchester United have scored, except for Robin Van Persie.

If Louis Van Gaal could convince Robin Van Persie to play a role off the bench for Manchester United, the club could have a incredible strike force on their hands.  Challenging for the Premier League title might be challenging this season, but if Ed Woodward and the Glazers make the right moves in the January transfer window.  There is no question in a couple of years time, Manchester United would be challenging for the Champions League title once again.