Juan Mata has continued to be one of the surprises of the season for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho, according to Gary Neville.
"I myself questioned whether he fits the profile of a Manchester United wide player, because that's where he is playing, even if I know he ends up drifting in," Neville told Sky Sports.
"The ability to counterattack and have wing play has always been Manchester United's way, so you wondered where he would fit in. I have to say that's been one of the surprises out of the first few months in Jose Mourinho's reign."
This season Mata has had to win the trust of Mourinho, who sold the midfielder when the pair were together at Chelsea.
"When Mata came off [against Arsenal] there was a little hug with Mourinho," Neville said. "There seemed to be a level of respect that was not always there when he was at Chelsea, when Mata was ultimately sold.
"He's adapted well, he's played well, and he's always had a good attitude. He's a top player. At the moment, he's doing very well. He was the better of the front three on Saturday." |