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Jose Mourinho's Man United are more balanced without this player - Gary Neville
MANCHESTER UNITED have much better balance without Juan Mata.
Juan Mata - 5 things you need to know
That is the view of Manchester United legend Gary Neville.
Mata has been a regular for the Red Devils this season, however he was dropped for the 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been given a chance to flourish in recent weeks and he hit the only goal of the game against Spurs.
The Armenian was stretchered off with an ankle injury, although it is thought he could play some part of the festive programme.
Juan Mata was dropped for the game against Tottenham
Henrikh Mkhitaryan hit the matchwinner against Tottenham
For me, I don't think it's the end of Juan Mata
Despite Mourinho's surprise selection, Neville thinks the Spaniard has a lot to offer, but is better as a playmaker.
"I don't think it's a day to dismiss Juan [Mata]," Neville told Sky Sports.
"I would always question whether Juan Mata has got a place in this Manchester United team in a wide area in the way that Manchester United should play.
"They should play with players that are mobile in wide areas, in my opinion. I think if Juan Mata was going to come back in it would have to be in one of the three midfield positions or as a No.10.
Jose Mourinho has normally started Juan Mata this season
"For me, I don't think it's the end of Juan Mata. I think he's been pretty good this season when he has played and I don't think he had done much wrong.
"To me it looks a better balance [without him]. When you have Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front, you've got a player who is immobile and can't run in behind, but holds the ball up really well.
"That tells you that you have to play with pace either side of him. What worries defences is pace, so from my point of view, the balance is right now."
United, who are sixth in the table on 24 points, face Crystal Palace tomorrow (8pm).
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