Juan Mata started for Manchester United vs Norwich last weekend and it was evident what has been missing from United's play against low block opposition.

United have had trouble all year breaking down low blocks, teams who sit back and defend.  There are many reasons United failed to break down low block opponents. 

Lack of creative players especially in central areas. Players who cannot see passes or layers who simply are not good enough to execute passes that can break the block.

Slow sideways football has been the result which is easy to defend. The lack of height and heading ability from the front men also means United struggle to go direct at times. To Marouane Fellaini's credit he scored many a late goal for United as they had the option of playing aerial balls. If this is not an option then you need players who can play forward, accurate passes that can penetrate an opposition.

Keys features how Mata Beat the Block

• Pass variation( lofted, diagonal, switch of play, disguised) always kept the opponents guessing

• Dribbling and movement ( able to commite defedners which in turn can open up room elsewhere

• Mata comes inside a lot, this provides a central overload but also narrows back 4 leaving Wan Bassake 1v1 on the right vs opponents Left Winger

• Passing ability- having the idea is one thing but Mata has the execution to match

• Vision: Able to see passes other don't see but brave enough to play them

• Decision making: The right pass, with the right weight at the right time

• Speed of play: Look to play quickly so the opposition cannot get set

• Mata can go over, around or through the block. This ability opens up many attacking options

Stats in Game

100% Long ball accuracy

100% tackles won

90% pass accuracy

35% Final third passes

6 ball recoveries

5 switches of play

2 assists



He might not play every week but against low block opposition Juan Mata is the pass master with the key to unlock doors.