Gary Neville has named Juan Mata as the Manchester United player who has surprised him most this season.
The Spanish star's Old Trafford career looked to be over after Jose Mourinho's appointment as manager in the summer.
Mata has been so influential to United this term, and he even scored their goal in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Saturday, his fourth of the season.
According to Sky Sports the former United defender told his podcast: "He does score goals, and he does create moments in games.
"I myself questioned whether he fits the profile of a Manchester United wide player, because that's where he is playing, even if I know he ends up drifting in.
"But with the size of the pitch here, the ability to counter attack and have wing play has always been Manchester United's way, so you wondered where he would fit in."
The former England and Valencia coach admits he was wrong about Mata.
Neville also highlighted the change in Mourinho's attitude towards the Spaniard.
He added: "I have to say that's been one of the surprises out of the first few months in Jose Mourinho's reign.
"When Mata came off there was a little hug with Mourinho, there seemed to be a level of respect that was not always there when he was at Chelsea, when Mata was ultimately sold.
"He's adapted well, he's played well, and he's always had a good attitude, he's a top player. At the moment he's doing very well. He was the better of the front three on Saturday."
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