Mata provided assists for both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in what was his first Premier League start since 1 December, when he played in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
His selection in manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s XI for the 4-0 win against Norwich was only his fifth start in the league this campaign, and he was used in a right-sided berth that proved to be a masterstroke, with the 31-year-old earning special praise from the boss.
“Juan's quality showed. He was excellent,” said Solskjaer.
“When we get Juan facing forward, he can pick out passes, he can put crosses in.