Following his classic performance during Manchester United’s first leg 2-0 win over Hull City in the League Cup semi-final, Phil Neville has heaped praise on Juan Mata.
Mata played a significant part in the first half onslaught against Hull with his brilliant series of superb passes and fine turns. He eventually scored Man United’s opener from close range.
His goal against Hull City made it his seventh so far this season for the red devils. He is presently United’s second top scorer this season after Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Speaking after the game, Neville heaped praises on him.
“Juan Mata has been unbelievable,” Neville said.
“Every time I’ve seen Juan Mata play for Manchester United , he either assists goals or score goals.
“He always delivers. His record is fantastic.
“Now, for someone we thought would be first out the door, he’s probably now one of the first on the team-sheet – or nearly there.”
In a system that would inevitably place emphasis on steel and raw energy going forward, it felt as if chances for the 28-year old would be hard to come by. Nevertheless, Mata grabbed the challenge with both of his hands and worked tirelessly in the pre-season campaign.
Eventually, he was the one who scored United’s first Premier League goal of the season on the opening day in the game against Bournemouth. And since then, he keeps improving, finding his way into the hearts of supporters who now want him to feature regularly.
