Underrated Juan: Why Mata makes Man Utd tick

Champions League wonder-flick aside, the intuitive Spaniard’s silk has produced three goals and four assists so far in just seven league games, making him one of the most effective players in England.

Even lauded fresh face Dimitri Payet lags behind the Burgos-born Man Utd man in the stats department, hinting that Mata’s contribution may have been oft overlooked.

Now 27, Mata is arguably in his attacking prime and, despite his hefty pricetag and relation to the disastrous David Moyes-era, is one of the most important cogs in Van Gaal’s clockwork possession-play.

Having previously come under pressure by pundits and fans alike for a perceived slowing-down of the Old Trafford attack, it is true the Spaniard’s lack of pace and physicality does not suit traditional ideas of a Red Devils winger.

Yet, quicker of thought than perhaps of feet, Mata has contributed 20 goals and 15 assists in just 62 outings since arriving in the Northwest, and has grabbed many a crucial goal drifting in from wide midfield, which is never his fixed position on the pitch.

Perhaps too lightweight for Van Gaal’s tastes as a number 10, having Mata move inwards during a game to help dictate and contribute in the final third has clearly proven fruitful, with this switch to a roaming role perhaps saving his United career.

Not always effective, some games do appear to pass the playmaker by but, when it comes to the crunch the Real Madrid academy graduate more often than not comes up with the goods, while also importantly helping retain possession.

The Spain midfield conductor will never pull the strings as creatively and sublimely as a David Silva, or stretch play and take on players with tricks down the flank a la Ryan Giggs, but this unique player’s end product could truly prove vital this season as Man Utd (4/1 to lift the Premier League) hunt for silverware.