The whole team did very well to keep possession so it's obvious players like Mata will benefit. Still, you have to do something with the ball with so many defenders and he did well
8
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 35
- Goals
- 10
- Assists
- 4
- Yellow cards
- 2
- Status
Thought he played really well. Best game of the season by a margin. Should definitely start v Stoke.
Agreed
I do want to see him in the side, even though his performances haven't reslly deserved it. But I would love to have a fully firing mata every week. What an assett
He was always looking to create today.
I do want to see him in the side, even though his performances haven't reslly deserved it. But I would love to have a fully firing mata every week. What an assett
He was always looking to create today.
I was impressed. More creative than we've seen in other games. Linked well with Herrera. Unlucky with Falcao's chance.
If he were to be allowed to take free kicks for us his stats would be even better. He's a more productive taker than Wayne but they just don't look as spectacular.
I thought he was good, like most of the team. Definitely helped contribute to our possession dominance. He seemed to cover a lot of ground too, saw him popping up all over the place.
Actually I think I saw somewhere recently that Rooney has by far the highest scored:taken ratio in our team over the last few years, even though you'd think Mata would be the more consistent. I can't remember where that's from though so don't quote me on it.
But it's nice to have a left-footer and a right-footer who both excel from the same sort of short-to-middle distances. Keeps the keeper guessing and gives you a greater set of options from any one set piece.
Always get a bit nervous when he comes under pressure in possession deep in midfield, we've seen him give it away too many times to dangerous effect this season. Seemed much better today though, a combination of Hull's midfield not being particularly incisive and Mata laying it off to teammates sooner. I hope the latter is a sign of the 'philosophy' taking shape and our lads getting better at making themselves available for quicker passes.
He's got one of the best touches I've ever seen. Silva has too.
The ball gets thumped at them from every angle and it's just killed under their feet every single time.
Berba's was special in that he could pluck absolutely the most difficult ball out the air but Mata just kills everything.
The ball gets thumped at them from every angle and it's just killed under their feet every single time.
Berba's was special in that he could pluck absolutely the most difficult ball out the air but Mata just kills everything.
At Old Trafford he should start more games than not. When United have some much of the ball like they did against Hull, then you need players who can use it, Mata is perfect for those games.
Yes you're probably right but I was thinking more about his free kick taking with Chelsea. Do we know how many free kicks Mata has taken for us?
It was nice of him to give the ball to Falcao to try and get him to score, but I think he should have been more selfish. He was coming inside nicely onto his left foot. Should have just lashed it. Looked an easy finish for him from there.
One of the best at killing the ball I've ever seen. No matter the angle or bounce his touch is immaculate.
Yeah I don't mind this idea either. His lack of mobility and athleticism hurts him when we don't have the ball as much so he can be an issue in away matches.
There was another time during the match yesterday when he just took a tricky ball down and put in a cross. He did really well to turn it into anything i thought.
I remember exactly the one, on the right wing coming from high in the air towards the corner flag.
When I saw him race to try and control that ball near the goal line I was saying to myself don't try and control that at pace but he still managed to take enough off the ball to be able to get his foot around it for quite a good cross.
Only just noticed the player performance bar. Have to say, it's brilliant.
Although it makes Mata look kind of shit.
Although it makes Mata look kind of shit.
Nobody has an average rating higher than 7 so far this season! They're all shit IMO, that was his role, it helps us to have someone far up who can either slow or speed the game up.
Man Utd 2:1 Stoke
Would it be unfair to say he's the kind of player that looks great when the whole team is playing well and clicking, but goes missing somewhat when things get difficult?
The numbers guy, simple as that.
Second half he's been our best player by some way for me.
He sure does produce a lot for a guy who has apparently been well off his best since arriving here. I wish all our signings did this....
Thought he was brilliant today. His best game this season for us.
Smart player, sometimes lacks pace and confidence but in particular moments he's the creative part of United.
Fantastic second half, he drove us on and was brilliant on the ball. Great free kick too
Very good at finding space in middle, knows when to pass as well, very good at keeping ball under pressure, plus his touch is brilliant
Also goal was his, if it touched rojo, it must have brushed of spikes on his head, it was all matas goal, rojo didn't change direction of ball
Also goal was his, if it touched rojo, it must have brushed of spikes on his head, it was all matas goal, rojo didn't change direction of ball
He was excellent in the second half when he moved a bit further up.
Thought he was good today. I would still prefer him further up the pitch though.
Was pleased with his performance.
Another very good game. Needs to play every time, the guy is class.
There goes the 'he's a second striker' theory. He's a baller, but he does lose the ball far too easily sometimes. Shame he's such a little (beautiful) man.
Some of his touches late on were just
Some of his touches late on were just
Drifted in and out of the game but looked our most creative player in his best patches.
Thought he played well again. As a playmaker, though, his passing is just a wee bit off. He had a great chance to slide one through to RvP, under no pressure, but got the weight all wrong. Would have fancied Herrera to get it right in the same situation.
Still a great asset, though. Really safe in possession, works his bollox off and extremely productive. Well worth his place in the team.
Still a great asset, though. Really safe in possession, works his bollox off and extremely productive. Well worth his place in the team.
Thought he played well. Was always available for the pass when the play was in transition. Final ball was a little off today but he tracked back every time and worked hard for the ball.
Good match from him, everything I want to say is above but I think he could do the Herrera role more, Herrera is giving those through balls, but I know Mata is also capable of doing that, hope that comes in time.
I'm a little surprised by how positive some of these posts are. I thought he was ok. Other than the goal he had a fairly unremarkable game though.
Lost the ball a number of times and misplaced a few passes. Perhaps I'm being overly critical and just expect too much from him. There was one pass where he could have played a through ball to RVP (I think) and completely under-hit it. Chelsea Mata would have played that every day of the week.
Lost the ball a number of times and misplaced a few passes. Perhaps I'm being overly critical and just expect too much from him. There was one pass where he could have played a through ball to RVP (I think) and completely under-hit it. Chelsea Mata would have played that every day of the week.
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