OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is facing a selection headache due to Juan Mata’s alarming form.
The Manchester United boss continues to persist with his Spanish playmaker, 32, despite worrying stats.
Juan Mata has suffered a slump in form and struggled to make his mark on games this yearCredit: EPA
Mata’s form suggests he is no longer the creative genius he once was in the Premier League.
He contributed to 61 goals in his first 156 league games for the Old Trafford side – 0.37 per game.
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But since then he has just three in 28 matches – or 0.13 per game.
Mata has forced his way back into Solskjaer’s first-team plans after being kept out last season.
But he is out of contract in the summer and has the likes of Donny van de Beek and Daniel James ready to take his place.
Mason Greenwood is also fighting for a spot out wide and looks likely to start more as the season progresses.
Spanish playmaker Mata did win the penalty which Bruno Fernandes converted in a 1-0 win over West Brom on Saturday.
Donny van de Beek could see more playing time if Juan Mata continues to struggleCredit: AFP
Daniel James is another option for Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: PA:Press Association
And speaking earlier this season after a Carabao Cup win, Solskjaer labelled Mata a huge asset to his side.
The Man Utd boss said: “He is a very valuable member of the squad and a top professional. It is never easy to tell him when he’s not playing.
“He has had a fantastic career, he has won whatever there is to win more or less.”
Man Utd set to offload four outcasts in January transfer window including Jones and Fosu-Mensah to lower wage bill
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
