Manchester United recorded a 1-0 win over rivals Manchester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night thanks to a goal from Juan Mata who managed to find the back of the net in his 100th start for the Red Devils.
Mata scored his first goal in domestic competition in 256 minutes of playing time in the process.
The Red Devils have now won 13 points from a maximum 15 when Mata has started this season – assuming the win today would have counted for three points. United have only managed to pick up one points from a maximum 12 without him.
The victory took United through to the next stage of the cup and it was also City’s six consecutive game without a victory.
We took a look at how fans reacted to his display on social media.
His stats made impressive reading.
Juan Mata's match winning stats
52 touches
44 passes, 84% accuracy
29th @ManUtd goal, since signing in Jan 2014 only Rooney (38) scored more pic.twitter.com/tFAoU3zgI1— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) October 26, 2016
It does make you wonder why Mata is does not have a guaranteed first-team place.
Thats why you play Mata, Jose
— Ay (@AvezSho) October 26, 2016
I've never been so certain to say that Mata HAS to start every game
— Kyle Mowatt (@Mowatt_7) October 26, 2016
Mata should ALWAYS start
— Cam (@MeeksAndSpencer) October 26, 2016
Mata to the rescue!
Mata always protecting Mourihno's ass. https://t.co/ugQVC6ngOj
— procedures (@entapro) October 26, 2016
The Tom Hanks of football!
Is there anyone out there who doesn't like Juan Mata? A unifying figure for all. Like a footballing Tom Hanks.
— Graham Ruthven (@grahamruthven) October 26, 2016
Mourinho will definitely be breathing a sigh of relief following the win over City.
Mourinho after Mata's goal pic.twitter.com/XHa2B3bNRS
— KICK (@KICK) October 26, 2016
More praise!
Juan Mata!!!! That is the exact reason why you start the Spaniard. Brilliant player.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) October 26, 2016
Banter!
Get you a man that looks at you like this field marshall looks at Juan Mata ? #MUFC #MCFC pic.twitter.com/9BDViYTAyI
— Chewblucca (@mothablucka) October 26, 2016