Juan Mata got Manchester United on their way to a 2-0 win over Watford on Saturday.
The Spaniard scored the first goal at Old Trafford to once again prove his value to Jose Mourinho’s side.
Yet, it’s fair to say the former Chelsea man isn’t always the first name on the teamsheet.
That’s partly because there are so many players vying for his spot – United really are blessed in that department, boasting Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Wayne Rooney, as well as other versatile attacking midfielders.
It was initially thought that Mourinho and Mata didn’t get on either, hence why the manager sold him to United when he was at Stamford Bridge, but there doesn’t seem to be much in those claims.
Even so, it remains to be seen whether the playmaker’s long-term future lies away from Old Trafford.
Mata has 18 months left on his current contract, so he must be contemplating whether he is to sign a new deal.
And the former Valencia star, who came to England in 2011, has admitted he would like to play in La Liga again at some stage before he retires.
“I don’t know what will happen,” he said, quoted by the Sun.
“I’ve been asked before, and I don’t know. I’ve been here six years, and I am happy in England.
“But I love Spain still and always follow La Liga from here. I would like to play again back at home.”
Those comments don’t make him sound overly committed to United, but he certainly looks settled on the pitch given the fine season he’s enjoying.
So, while much of the attention will remain on Rooney’s similarly urgent contract situation, it could well be Mata who is more of a priority for Mourinho.
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