Gary Neville names Man United star who is becoming very important under Jose Mourinho
The Man United legend underlines Juan Mata's increased importance to Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho
Gary Neville believes Juan Mata is becoming a very important player for Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.
The Red Devils were 2-1 winners against bitter rivals Liverpool FC at Old Trafford in the Premier League last weekend.
Mata was named in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI for the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s men ahead of Anthony Martial.
The Spain international impressed with a composed performance in midfield to help Manchester United secure a vital win.
The 29-year-old has scored three goals and has made four assists in 24 appearances in the Premier League this term.
The former Chelsea FC playmaker made one assist in six Champions League games before their 2-1 loss to Sevilla last week.
Mata could have a bigger role to play in the heart of the team given Michael Carrick’s retirement at the end of the season.
Former Manchester United defender Neville believes Mata is taking on increasing importance for the Red Devils.
“Mata looks like he might become a very important player,” Neville told his Sky Sports podcast. “He connects the team.
“You’ve got Martial, Rashford and Lukaku but they haven’t got the glue to nit it together. He looks like he might become an important player.
“He has the composure to knit back to front. He has the composure to hold the ball to allow those players to make their runs.”
Manchester United haven’t won the Premier League title since 2013 when Sir Alex Ferguson was still in charge.
The Red Devils have won the FA Cup, the Europa League and the League Cup under Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal.
