Manchester United fans were encouraged by Juan Mata‘s performance in the win vs Huddersfield in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The Spaniard played a part in the club’s 2-0 victory that saw them advance into the next round where a fixture vs Brighton at home awaits them.
Mata managed to assist Romelu Lukaku for United’s first goal of the game and appeared to grab the second goal himself before it was ruled out by VAR.
Even with the technology present during the match, the debate still continues with the attacking midfielder’s knee possibly a centimetre offside with some sections of fans asking for the benefit of the doubt to be given.
Although Juan missed out on a goal, he still put in an impressive shift and will certainly have given his manager a headache for the next team selection.
Good second half from United and, in the end, a comfortable result. Lukaku played well. Smalling good after half-time. Carrick, McTominay and Mata positives, too.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) February 17, 2018
When Mata plays I feel Very Confident we will Win .
— MUFCEXCLUSIVENEWS. (@MufcinNewsinfo) February 17, 2018
Job done. Better in the second half. Mata, Lukaku and Smalling (yes I wrote that) did well .
Much needed win going into a big week. Onwards and upwards— Sadikshya (@Sadikshya_) February 17, 2018
Happy with that, especially control after the 2nd. Two good goals, some nice touches from Mata. Shaw should stay the left-back now. Lukaku in form, go get 35 goals for the season. Nice draw please. Pleased Bailly is back. Now onto sunny-ish Spain! The scarlet ribbon is still on!
— Barney @Red News (@barneyrednews) February 17, 2018
Lukaku & Mata my MOTM today
Sanchez Carrick Young & Smalling very good as well.— rahul (@rpk_mufc) February 17, 2018
Mata has to been a contender for MOTM, he has been class all game.
— James Kenny (@JamesyCantona) February 17, 2018
Juan Mata hasn’t had his most vintage season at the Red Devils’ this time around but he’s had plenty to contend with in comparison to previous campaigns.
The former Chelsea man has featured 29 times across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing six assists according to Transfermarkt.
Those are decent numbers but supporters will certainly be expecting more from the playmaker even with the given circumstances.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan initially kept Mata out and then Jesse Lingard‘s incredible form also played a role in the lack of consistent stars.
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford vying for the left wing role has also left Juan with little room to operate in but perhaps after today’s performance he can kick on and keep his place in the side.