Five talking points from Manchester United's comfortable 2-0 win over Cardiff

Mata shines but United still look dodgy in central midfield

All the buildup to the game was about how Mata was going to be the catalyst for change at United. And whilst Mata got an assist to his name, for the most part, he was neat and tidy with the ball at his feet. He created some clever openings and had all the makings of a very astute signing indeed. But behind him Ryan Giggs and Phil Jones started in central midfield and showed just why United need a central midfielder so badly. All the passing was either sideways or backwards and there was no real penetration from the center of the park. With Carrick out injured, United are in dire need of someone who can create something from the middle of the park.