After what has undoubtedly been a brilliant start to the season for Manchester United, there are certainly one or two bright sparks that stand out despite almost everything going to plan so far.
The continual brilliance from David de Gea, the solidity that Nemanja Matic has brought to the side and the goals from Romelu Lukaku are just a few of many high points so far this season. But one thing we didn’t necessarily think we’d see is midfielder Juan Mata playing not only consistently, but also looking like one of the best players in the side.
We all know what Mata is capable of on his day, and in no way would anyone question his footballing ability. But the question has always been about whether or not he is a Manchester United player, let alone a Jose Mourinho player.
However good the Spaniard has been since joining United in January 2014, it has to be said that he is enjoying his best football in a United shirt under Jose Mourinho – and this season he looks better than ever.
Mata continued his good form with the opening goal in Manchester United’s 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, and once again it was that man Marcus Rashford who provided it. Mata will be well aware of what Rashford is capable of, and speaking after the game against Palace the Spaniard said the forward is a “special kid” who will be a “big player for club and country”.
At just 19, Rashford has exploded onto the world stage and is up there with some of the biggest prospects in football. He has been nothing short of fantastic since breaking into the United team 18 months ago, and Mata is predicting big things for the youngster.
“I think he has been brilliant,” said Mata. “I think he is a special kid.”
“I think he has a lot of talents and he has got a good mentality, which is important in that age.”
“And he is performing very well, week in week out. Even coming from the bench, he is helping a lot. I really believe he is going to be a big player for club and country.”
“It’s down to everything he does on the pitch, the qualities he has, the important player he is in some difficult games where he just takes the ball and scores two great goals, like last time in the League Cup (against Burton).”
“But I see so many players at that age like this, and then they don’t keep consistency, but I believe he can because it’s down to his mentality and he has the right mentality for that.”
As for Lukaku, we have all seen how devastating the Belgian is in front of goal over the past few seasons. But this year the 24-year-old looks almost unstoppable, and Mata, who was with Lukaku during their time at Chelsea, says he has exceeded expectation.
“It’s a lot of goals, especially when you come to a new environment,” said Mata.
“I knew he would score a lot but I didn’t know he would do it so quick, that’s true.”
“He gives a lot more to the team too but for a striker, it’s important to score, especially when you see other strikers are scoring and I believe that is what he feels and he has started really well.”
“He has been a key part to our good start to the season and he’s a good lad, a very humble lad and everyone likes him in the dressing room so we are happy for him.”
“I don’t know how many goals he has been scoring during his career, but when he was at Anderlecht he was already scoring 20 or 30 per season.”
“He just needed confidence and I think he got it in Everton and became a more experienced and better player.”
“It’s not easy to come to United and reach expectations but he is doing more than people expected and that is great for us.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]