Gary Neville is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable pundits on the circuit, or at least one of the few who don’t offer up nonsense on a near permanent basis. That’s why fans of all clubs tend to listen when he comments on their predicaments.
Naturally enough, when he talks about his old club, Manchester United, fan’s ears prick up in a major way.
Earlier on in the week, Gary Neville had some rather interesting stuff to say about Manchester United’s scapegoat of the moment, Juan Mata:
‘He has done well, Mata, when he has played in central areas and his goalscoring record is good. But I always wondered whether he has a long-term future at United. When I watch him at Old Trafford, he isn’t dynamic enough and with Angel Di Maria in the team, they have to get Radamel Falcao in.’
It’s hard to believe that this is a £37.1m signing we’re talking about here and not Tom Cleverley. I could understand if these comments were pointed in Marouane Fellaini’s direction, but I can’t help but feel that we’re selling Juan Mata a little short here.
Neville concedes that Mata’s goal-scoring record is good, and it is. He’s scored 9 goals in 20 games for Manchester United, which is a fantastic return for a midfielder. His all round game hasn’t been as good as it was at Chelsea, but we know what he’s got in his locker.
The constant criticism can’t be helping. Neither can the fact that his position within the team is constantly shifting. This is a player that Manchester United could be building their team around. Instead he’s getting thrust out wide and offering diminishing returns.
Manchester United fans need to find the courage to exercise a bit of patience. With Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao now in the squad, Juan Mata’s going to be providing service into a better quality of player. As a result, we’re likely to see him pick up a few more assists. He may even get into more goal-scoring positions.
Selling him on this early in his Manchester United career would be a big mistake. Let’s just hope that Louis Van Gaal feels the same way.
What’s your take? What does the future hold for Juan Mata?
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