Manchester United edged through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday night courtesy of a 1-0 win over FC Rostov, meaning that they progressed 2-1 on aggregate.

Jose Mourinho’s men drew 1-1 in Russia last week to bring a crucial away goal back to Old Trafford, and although the Red Devils went close in the first half through Zlatan Ibrahimović, it took a Juan Mata strike 20 minutes from time to seal their place in the last eight.

And it was once again the contributions of the Spaniard which helped United negotiate a potentially tricky game – he produces his best in the big games, be it against the best sides, or the knockout situations.

The 28-year-old has played 44 times against top six clubs in the Premier League since 2011, when he first joined Chelsea, and has netted 13 goals and laid on ten assists for both the Blues and United.

But that is just in the league, when you look further into his exploits in Europe and the domestic cup competitions, he is clearly a player who produces his best for the big occasions.

In his first season at Chelsea, Mata scored four goals in seven games to help Roberto Di Matteo’s side win the FA Cup, and the season after, as well as having his best goal-scoring campaign in the league with 12 goals, he scored four times in Europe to help the West London side win the Europa League.

And he seems to be doing the same again at United.

In his first full season at Old Trafford, Mata scored one and made one in their 3-0 success over Liverpool at Old Trafford in December 2014, before getting the crucial brace at Anfield three months later to help Louis van Gaal’s side to a vital 2-1 victory. He also found the net against Manchester City a fortnight later.

And of course last season, the Spanish international netted three times in four games to help the Red Devils win the FA Cup, including the equaliser nine minutes from time in the final against Crystal Palace at Wembley.

This term follows a similar trend, with the 28-year-old netting the winner in United’s 1-0 success over neighbours Manchester City in the League Cup back in October, and also grabbing the opener in their 2-0 semi-final first leg win over Hull.

And what happened, United went on to win the competition.

With the exception of Chelsea’s Champions League victory in 2012, Mata has won four trophies with English clubs, and his goals in those competitions have been vital in helping the Blues and the Red Devils go on and clinch those titles.

Thus, his goal in the win over Rostov on Thursday night was another indication of his big game credentials, but could potentially be a good omen for United as they look for Europa League glory this term.

Guest post by Marcus Oades.