Juan Mata Facing Run-in Audition for Star Role at Manchester United Next Season

Juan Mata has just enjoyed the best two weeks of his Manchester United career.

He was given a rapturous ovation as he left the Old Trafford pitch after 77 minutes of the game against Tottenham Hotspur on March 15. In his blog post entitled "Perfect Evening in Old Trafford," Mata wrote:

"

I heard your applause and I want to thank you for that. Ever since my first day as a United player I felt the love from Old Trafford and I want you to know that it helps a lot when you play. Your applause when I was substituted and on my way to the dressing room is something I will never forget. Thank you so much to all of you.

"

The fans who cheered him off the pitch, along the touchline and into the tunnel at the Stretford End were amply rewarded by Mata's Man of the Match performance at Anfield the following week.

His first goal saw him apply a fine finish to a lovely team move.

His second was the kind of goal that embeds itself in the memory and never leaves.

Jon Super/Associated Press

However, it was not just his goals that impressed. Playing as what Louis van Gaal called a "false right-winger" (h/t 101 Great Goals), Mata was hugely involved, taking 91 touches—more than any other player on the pitch. He was, without question, United's standout performer.

Watching, it felt like a coming-of-age moment for Mata in a United shirt. Signed in the doldrums of the David Moyes season, the Spaniard's arrival promised much, but he was unable to exert much of an influence on United's faltering season.

This season, it has often felt like Mata has been sacrificed to the cause of finding a place in the side for the Red Devils' plethora of attacking superstars. In order to fit Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie and Angel Di Maria into a side with Mata, he has either played deep or not played at all.

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He endured a period out in the cold before the Spurs game, playing bit-part roles as a substitute or missing out altogether. He was forced to look on from the sidelines as United crashed out of the FA Cup.

With that said, the truth remains that Mata has played a good deal for Van Gaal. He is fifth among United's squad in terms of league minutes played, third in terms of league games in which he has been involved and joint-fifth in terms of games started.

There have been times when he has failed to impress and looked too easy to knock off the ball. When United have played poorly, Mata has rarely been able to take games by the scruff of the neck and turn things around for his team.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

However, for much of the season, Mata has maintained a decent performance level and a decent level of output. He is third in United's top scorer charts in the league—indeed, he already was before the Liverpool game—and fifth in terms of assists. However, the Liverpool game was perhaps his first genuine star turn of the season.

Between now and the end of this campaign, he has the chance to cement that starring role in Van Gaal's mind and in the minds of his team-mates.

Of course, next season, he may be competing for that top billing with a slightly different cast.

Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC recently reported that United are planning to retain the services of Di Maria. However, Falcao has repeatedly been linked with a move elsewhere rather than making his loan at United permanent, per Sky Sports, for example.

Van Persie's form has been such that it is hard to see Van Gaal looking to build a team around his compatriot next season. New arrivals are also likely, especially if United achieve a top-four finish and secure a place in next season's Champions League.

Mata looks to have found a position in which he can truly flourish. Not as an out-and-out No. 10 but orchestrating matters from the wing. With eight crucial games ahead, he has his best opportunity yet to make himself invaluable to United.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

He has the ability to do it, as he demonstrated with such style against Liverpool. He has made sure that he has the spotlight. It is now up to him to shine.

All statistics per WhoScored.com.