So, Juan Mata didn’t play on the wings as suggested by the Manchester United app pre-kickoff but as no.10.

He was United’s no.10, with Fernandes, who scored half-century of goals in United colours, on the Left Wing. Mata helped United to keep possession well today and finished with a 91% pass accuracy.

The first heat map is Mata’s the second one is Fernandes’.

Juan Mata’s passing in the first half against Brentford:

◉ 92% pass accuracy
◉ 39 passes attempted
◉ 36 passes completed
◉ 17 final ⅓ passes attempted
◉ 16 final ⅓ passes completed

United dominated the game, controlled possession and ensured David De Gea didn’t face so many shots (which is usually the norm). This should be the default setting, but the question remains – why hasn’t it?

Makes you wonder what might have been for Juan Mata at United had other managers continuously put their faith in him. The team was adapted to cater for Bruno Fernandes, but Mata always had to adapt for the team.

— Rich Fay (@RichFay) May 2, 2022

I was surprised to see Juan Mata as the no.10, it was his 3rd start of the season in all competitions, and the first in the Premier League in 12 months.

Juan Mata’s game by numbers vs. Brentford, his first league start of the season:

100% take-ons completed
90% pass accuracy
69 touches
63 passes
20 final ⅓ passes
5 passes into final ⅓
4 x possession won
3 passes into the opposition box.

It’s taken Manchester United *checks notes* eight years to work out Juan Mata is at his best as a ten.

What a waste of a ridiculously talented footballer.

— Adam Newson (@AdamNewson) May 2, 2022

It tells you all you need to know. Even before Bruno Fernandes was signed, Mata was at United but can you remember who was the no.10?

But then, its a minute too late now as it has taken Manchester United eight good years to work out Juan Mata is at his best as a ten. What a waste of a ridiculously talented footballer, Man United fans lament.

Manchester United’s three goals on Monday night earned them a well-deserved three points, as they put in a much-improved performance to complete their Old Trafford campaign on a high note.

Manchester United realised 8 years too late that Juan Mata can play at No.10. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Xxf425eml6

— MUFC Scoop (@MUFCScoop) May 2, 2022

United’s next two matches of the season are against Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace, with a maximum of 64 points available if they win both – just enough to match their lowest-ever Premier League total.

Nemanja Matić and Juan Mata say goodbye to Old Trafford for the very last time 👋❤️ pic.twitter.com/u3ll97NsPd

— utdreport (@utdreport) May 2, 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo was even spotted hugging Juan Mata and then Nemanja Matic for their brilliant performances as both players were substituted and applauded in what was their last game at Old Trafford for Man Utd.

Juan Mata and Matic durng their final game at Old Trafford

Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic say farewell to the Manchester United fans at Old Trafford ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WS0RaJARoz

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 2, 2022

𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕? 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒙!