He isn't as good as his fans say he is. He isn't as bad as his detractors say. He's just a little better than the average footballer, I suppose. You'd expect more from a then-club-record signing for this club. A Spanish Joe Cole.
8
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 54
- Goals
- 11
- Assists
- 11
- Yellow cards
- 7
- Red cards
- 1
- Status
Thought he was OK today. Had a good second half.
But thats what you get from him at number 10. His lack of mobility means he can be tracked quite easily and unless there is movement up front all he can do is play balls in to feet. Yet he can still pop up with a goal.
He really needs Martial at #9 to be an effective #10.
But thats what you get from him at number 10. His lack of mobility means he can be tracked quite easily and unless there is movement up front all he can do is play balls in to feet. Yet he can still pop up with a goal.
He really needs Martial at #9 to be an effective #10.
No surprise. Sick of the sight of his tortoise pace and dithering. If we got Jose at least he'd be sold.
Worked hard in the second-half. Passable performance without being extraordinary.
Yes, we get it: The manager's crap. But Mata isn't good enough, regardless.
He'll probably go to play for some mediocre counter-attacking team, where the club/fans are just so happy to have him and will cling onto his Chelsea form as proof he's 'world class.'
He'll play better, because he's better at counter-attacking, due to his deficiencies (doing anything progressive under pressure/tight marking.)
And because they'll be so happy to have him and he'll be 'productive', they wont care about the things he doesn't do very well.
He'd be a great fit for Crystal palace, in my opinion. And he's closer to their level than any serious team's.
There's a weird idea that Guardiola would really like him, despite the fact that Guardiola's football requires players who aren't as limited (or easy to force away from goal) as Mata.
Or will Guardiola suddenly give Mata the ability to turn his man, dribble his man, side-step challenges, be strong under pressure...?
Mata has to surrender possession of the ball the second he's closed down. Literally nothing like a Guardiola player.
He'll probably go to play for some mediocre counter-attacking team, where the club/fans are just so happy to have him and will cling onto his Chelsea form as proof he's 'world class.'
He'll play better, because he's better at counter-attacking, due to his deficiencies (doing anything progressive under pressure/tight marking.)
And because they'll be so happy to have him and he'll be 'productive', they wont care about the things he doesn't do very well.
He'd be a great fit for Crystal palace, in my opinion. And he's closer to their level than any serious team's.
There's a weird idea that Guardiola would really like him, despite the fact that Guardiola's football requires players who aren't as limited (or easy to force away from goal) as Mata.
Or will Guardiola suddenly give Mata the ability to turn his man, dribble his man, side-step challenges, be strong under pressure...?
Mata has to surrender possession of the ball the second he's closed down. Literally nothing like a Guardiola player.
Last edited:
First attacker out of the door for me.
He can't play out wide as he's one of the slowest players to have played for the club.
He can't play in the middle because he crumbles when put under the slightest pressure. In any case, his passing is way too safe for someone who is supposed to be the main creator.
He can't play out wide as he's one of the slowest players to have played for the club.
He can't play in the middle because he crumbles when put under the slightest pressure. In any case, his passing is way too safe for someone who is supposed to be the main creator.
Who is the English Messi. So really we've got a bargain.
Scares the shit out of me when he starts running backwards in possession while under pressure. You just know he's going to lose the ball because he's so slow and weak. Decent today, took his goal well and played his part in the build for Blind's goal.
Rubbish first half, could barely stay on his feet and looked low on confidence. Fair play for keeping his head up and improving in the second half and working really hard to make the third goal possible. Good finish rounds his performance to a solid '6'. Basically off-colour Mata for you, meh performance but still a goal and should have had another!
He's been underwhelming this season. There's no way around it.
He seems so satisfied touching the ball every 10 minutes only to play a short, safe, nothing pass.
I can't believe people are criticising him, his build up play last night was very good. His overall record at United is fairly good, he's one of our best players. Spanish Joe Cole 
whatever next.
whatever next.Rewatched the game last night and thought he was pathetic. Biggest coward in our team.
That's a bit of a problem.I can't believe people are criticising him, his build up play last night was very good. His overall record at United is fairly good, he's one of our best players. Spanish Joe Cole
Mata shouldn't even be in the first team, let alone one of United's best players. The standard within this squad really needs to improve quickly.
He's 'one of the best players' in an unbalanced team that may finish out of the top four, but may (if they're lucky) fluke their way to a cup win.
Sounds familiar...
Much better as #10 than on wing.
Man Utd 3:0 Stoke
He's bossing it so far tonight.
Really, really good today. Setting up our attacks and could have had a goal
Should have scored. Having a good game though.
Can't score every chance - he's four feet tall.
Playing as a proper number 10 today. All over the pitch but influencing everything going forward
He's having excellent game, really great to watch, but what is wrong with his finishing in the last month or two? It's mostly his own fault, but he is at times really unlucky.
Running the show tonight.
Having a great game, magnetic control and quick feet. He really needs a goal tonight. He's been closed down quickly in the box, but no chance he could vae taken them first time with the pace they were given to him. The header was a tough one with Rooney throwing himself at the same ball.
A bit of confidence does wonders for our team. I truly blame this shit system weve persisted with. Only makes me loathe van Gaal even more. Enough talent in this team to be challenging for the league.
What's up with that? He looks almost fast today! Much, much better. Today he is class.
Best player on the pitch in the first half.
Playing well. Like everyone, thrives when we play with pace and a counter attacking style. Not one player in our team is suited to the possession bullshit. Hopefully we keep this up in the next games as well, can get Mata to his old top quality self.
He's always had quick feet, its one of the most bizarre criticism levelled against him.
I know - he's quick on the first couple of yards. He just can't run very well. Works his socks off every match though. About time that he showed his qualities, no matter.
Doesn't matter how tall he is, the ball was at his level. He just botched the shot.
Showing his quality again. Should never be dropped imo
He's been good today but there is one player out there who is head and shoulders above anyone else and it ain't Juan.
That's your opinion.
When I said quick feet, and I meant more that hes getting passes away quickly when being pressed. The pass he gave to Rooney before Martial's goal was superb. He looked a dead cert to be dispossessed, but managed to poke it between two defenders.
He's always been mobile though, but when we slow the play down and the movement, then he usually looks slower than he really is, especially when he's recieving the ball in a standing position. Always seems to be on the move today, which you need to be in the #10 position.
He's always been mobile though, but when we slow the play down and the movement, then he usually looks slower than he really is, especially when he's recieving the ball in a standing position. Always seems to be on the move today, which you need to be in the #10 position.
Yes it is.
Agere with this! Good post
Should definitely be in the #10 position from now on.
I am a big detractor of his. He has been sub par for a club record signing since coming in our least creative period ever. But making a great case to be given a run at 10 today, fairplay to him
Very good match from him, has been a while.
He's back.
- Status