#1 Juan Mata
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Juan Mata was the first ‘superstar’ to be brought to Old Trafford after Sir Alex Ferguson retired. In an almost panic move by David Moyes, the two times Chelsea player of the year was sold by Mourinho, then Chelsea manager, after six months of inconsistent game time.
Mata quickly settled into the team, but he was shifted out wide to accommodate Rooney and Van Persie upfront. After Moyes was sacked, it seemed like his harsh days were over, and he would get to play in his ideal No. 10 position again.
That was not to be as Van Gaal signed Falcao and decided that Juan Mata was more suitable out wide owing to his lack of strength and work rate. Much like his Spanish teammate Herrera, Mata did not give up and worked harder than ever to earn his place in the team. He has often been the player on the pitch with most distance covered and has carried his defensive duties without complaint.
His increasing work rate and being pushed out of position has led to a decrease in his creativity, but he has made it up with important goals throughout the last three years. He has had quite a few match winning performances, most notably a brace at Anfield in 2014 that led to United piping Liverpool to a top 4 place.
Although he has not been given his ideal position, his hard work had compelled Van Gaal to keep him in the playing XI week in and week out.
His career faced his greatest test as Mourinho was made the manager. Having been sold by him before, it seemed inevitable that he will be sold again. However, he has continued to put in his efforts, and Mourinho has rewarded that with the role of captaincy on a couple of occasions.
Manchester United are yet to lose a match this season when Mata has started, and he has been one of the few players this season who have shown their worth.
