Why Juan Mata Is Under the Most Pressure for Man Utd Following Draw with Chelsea

Manchester United's hard-won equaliser on Sunday came almost a full 30 minutes after Juan Mata had been removed from proceedings, and the former Chelsea man's Old Trafford future looks uncertain.

United's past three games should have been Mata's time to shine. With Wayne Rooney out through suspension, Mata had the chance to stake a claim for the No. 10 role ahead of United's captain.

Unfortunately for fans of Mata, he has simply not taken that opportunity. Although it is not entirely his fault, he equally must face up to the reality that he is the star player in United's squad whose place is the least assured.

Back in September, asked about the plethora of attacking players available to him, Louis van Gaal said that his captain had "more privileges" than his team-mates in terms of the right to a place in the starting XI (h/t ESPN.co.uk). 

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The assumption that Rooney was therefore guaranteed a place in the side looked like bad news for Mata, and so it proved to be, as Rooney, Van Persie and Radamel Falcao were selected in the starting line-up against Leicester City and West Ham United.

Once Rooney got himself suspended, Mata was afforded an opportunity.

His chance to cement the No. 10 berth was hampered by some of Van Gaal's tactical decisions. Against both West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea, the Dutchman played a 4-5-1/4-3-3 hybrid which meant Mata was not played as an out-and-out No. 10.

Previous to that, Mata was played as the tip of the midfield diamond against Everton—tasked with providing service to Van Persie and Falcao. He had a mixed game, contributing a simple (but nicely weighted) assist for Angel Di Maria's goal, and two further key passes.

On the other hand, he had no shots at all, unusual for a player whose fine goal return has been one of the main characteristics of his game.

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That game was the last time he played 90 minutes for United. Substituted after 72 minutes against West Brom, Mata had made no key passes, indicative of his lack of impact on that game. Against Chelsea he was again removed with United chasing the game, this time in the 66th minute.

In the first half against Chelsea, Mata seemed to be having a pretty good game. He was noticeably short on involvement but he did manage to make an impact. Although he attempted just 18 passes, two of them were key, per Squawka.com, including a beautifully lobbed through ball for Di Maria. 

Mata's lack of involvement was, however, the defining characteristic of his performance. He had just 34 touches, fewer than any United player expect Van Persie and James Wilson. It is also the fewest touches he has had in any of his Premier League starts this season.

It seems telling that Van Gaal has been happy to remove Mata from proceedings at crucial moments in games, with United needing goals. If Mata was playing at his best, then surely his excellent record of scoring and creating goals would make him an asset to a team chasing a game?

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Van Gaal has provided ample evidence that he is not convinced of this, in first dropping Mata and then being happy to remove him from games. With Rooney's suspension ended, little in Mata's last three performances suggests he will delay the United captain's immediate return to the starting XI.

Only an injury to one of United's strikers looks likely to keep Mata in the side. Mata's place is under such pressure, and the competition for attacking places in the side is so strong, it would not be a big shock if United were to sell him in January, or next summer.

I personally hope that does not come to pass, as Mata at his best is a joy to behold. There were two examples of his ability against Chelsea. The first was the aforementioned pass to Di Maria and the second was just before he was substituted.

Marcos Rojo fired a long cross-field ball forward, which Mata controlled and passed into the path of the onrushing Adnan Januzaj in one smooth motion. It is the kind of brilliance Mata is capable of, and an example of why it will be such a shame if he does not become a fixture at United.

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Unfortunately, after the Chelsea game, he appears to be the player with the most pressure upon him. It is now up to him to prove he can thrive under it.

All statistics except where otherwise stated per WhoScored.com