Will ‘this’ player be the dark horse in the absence of Paul Pogba?

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Manchester United will no doubt be a completely different prospect without Paul Pogba. The Frenchman was finally beginning to show glimpses of why United broke the bank to sign him back. He’s been a regular threat, on and off the ball and will be sorely missed as he sits out nursing a hamstring injury.

There’s no doubt Paul will be missed, but do Manchester United need to panic? Absolutely not.

Juan Mata might flourish in his absence. Though Mata has started all but one game this season, the exception being the 2-2 draw against Stoke.

Let’s see how Manchester United can set-up with Mata in a more central role.

One of Mata’s assets is his ability to ease or bypass pressure. His awareness on and off the ball will be key, and that will be realized if he assumes a central position in the midfield trio. While he has played in this position before, it would make more sense if he assumes the role of a permanent #10. With Pogba in the side, he and Mkhitaryan would alternate between the central and wide position in that attack. In this shape, however, Mourinho will have to field a permanent wide-man, preferably Martial or Lingard. The midfield duo would have to be a defensive setting, preferably that of Matic and Herrera. In such a setting, Mata could assume the role of a free-roaming #10. His positional awareness and deft passing will profit the team heading into the next few weeks without Pogba.

Mata’s deftness in passing too can be properly utilized if played in that position. The front three, consisting of Lukaku through the middle, Rashford, Lingard/Martial through the wings, would have to be on their toes for a cutting through ball from the Spaniard. An undervalued feature of Mata’s play is his ability to make others around him better.

He could play central and unlock defences or head out wide to deliver pin-point crosses into the box for Lukaku to feast on.

Either way, Manchester United will have to continue with their relentless attacking if they are to carry on their form into the next few weeks. A slip up against Stoke City has brought their cross-town rivals breathing down their necks, and cannot afford anymore as the season progresses.

While Manchester United will indeed miss Paul Pogba, they have a dark horse in Juan Mata, if utilized correctly.

Read: Can Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial coexist under Jose Mourinho?