Manchester United are a squad full of sublime talents, and it is a surprise to many that they are languishing so far behind rivals City in the title race.

The Red Devils will be craving another Premier League title in the coming seasons, something which has not happened since the era of Sir Alex Ferguson, and manager Jose Mourinho will no doubt be desperate to prove he can win yet another title in English football following success with Chelsea.

In a squad with so many internationals and talents, it's often hard to pick out just who is the most important, but there are also those players who simply don't seem to get the credit they deserve.

And one man we at the Tavern feel falls right into this category is Spanish midfielder Juan Mata.

The little technician has been a regular for United in big games, and once again proved his worth earlier in the week with a late goal at Juventus in the Champions League.

Despite not always being a starter, Mata is a superb option for United, and rarely lets his manager down whatever position he is asked to play in.

The Spaniard has bags of experience and is a serial winner, as his time with Chelsea and Spain has shown in the past.

If United are to continue improving and having success this year, then Mata will be a key figure, and there will no doubt be even more moments to come from Mata in the big games if he does indeed remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.

United fans, do you agree? Let us know in the comments!