Juan Mata says he misses playing football on a regular basis

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Juan Mata has spoken out about his lack of game time at Manchester United this season.

The Spaniard has started only two matches, the Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham in September and the Champions League dead rubber against Young Boys in December.

Mata has made only three other substitute appearances, including the desperation move from Ralf Rangnick to throw him on late in the game against Atletico Madrid a fortnight ago.

It was a gamble and a show of trust which prompted many to wonder why Rangnick had not used him more, if he felt Mata able to turn such an important game?

Speaking to the club’s official website, Mata explained: “I haven’t been playing as much as I would like this season and I really miss it.

“I’m enjoying training with my team-mates and I really want to show that I can enjoy playing and giving what I can give to the team.

“I miss it and I still have a lot of passion and a lot of will to keep enjoying football.

“This is a dream come true to be a professional football player so I want to play as much as I can and I feel good, to be honest: mentally, physically, I am of course ready to perform, so hopefully soon.”

Mata a little naive over lack of football

If playing football was Mata’s top priority, then he likely would not have signed a one year extension at Manchester United last summer.

Last season he made only nine Premier League appearances, his lowest ever since signing for the club, prior to this season.

What we do not know, is what he was promised by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and whether Mata was misled over his chances in any way. But it was still a little naive of him to re-sign if he wanted to play regularly, considering Bruno Fernandes is by far considered to be the preferred option.

Mata may have expected Jesse Lingard to leave when he re-signed, however, which looked likely last June. But as late July and August approached, it was clear United had also decided to keep him around too, further limiting Mata’s options. There has barely been enough game time to go round for one of them, let alone two.

One other aspect in Mata’s decision may have been how close he felt United were to challenging for the title. Last season United finished second, and hoped with the signings made, the team could go one better. Mata would dearly have loved to contribute to a title battle and have one last crack at a league medal at Old Trafford, but sadly, it became quickly apparent that this team were nowhere near.

There should be some limited game time for Mata between now and the end of the season, although it depends how close United can get in the scrap for fourth place. If the season continues to take a nosedive, Mata may find himself parachuted in for a goodbye game or two.