Since Bruno Fernandes’ arrival from Sporting CP in the January transfer window for £47m, things have turned around considerably for Manchester United.
The Red Devils have remained unbeaten since the Portugal international’s big-money move to Old Trafford, including scoring 11 times in their last four games across all competitions.
And on Thursday night in the Europa League against Club Brugge, both Fernandes and fellow midfielder Fred may have stolen the headlines for finding the back of the net – in the latter’s case, he did so twice.
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But whilst the duo got their names on the score-sheet, one man who didn’t, but arguably outshone them, was Juan Mata. The Spaniard, turning 32 in a couple of months, rolled back the years and delivered a vintage performance for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Aside from providing the assist for Odion Ighalo’s first ever goal for the club, Mata helped run the show and tore Brugge apart with his clever passes and touches. And when looking at the numbers behind his performance, it really does look wholly impressive.
As per Sofascore, his remarkable total of six key passes was a game-high, and actually more than what Fernandes (four) and Fred (one) combined for. Mata married his incisiveness to cut open a fragile Brugge defence, with being one of the side’s main play-makers. He enjoyed 91 touches throughout the game, with only two other United players getting more.
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The former Chelsea man also successfully completed seven out of the 11 long balls he attempted, whilst he also created one big chance too. All in all, the veteran midfielder helped dictate the play for United, and played a huge role in United eventually going on to win 5-0 at Old Trafford.
Whilst Fred and Fernandes may be the ones in the headlines for their respective goals, Mata was the ultimate magician for Solskjaer’s side. His biggest trick on the night was dipping into the past, and producing an age-old masterclass from yesteryear.
Meanwhile, this is how Man Utd could line up against Everton.