Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 10y

Silva: Mata yet to shine at United

David Silva believes Manchester United are not getting the best out of Juan Mata.

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The Manchester City midfielder will face his Spain teammate in Tuesday’s Manchester derby in their first meeting since Mata became United’s 37.1 million-pound club record signing.

But while he is a big admirer of Mata, who was also a colleague in his time at Valencia, he feels United are yet to see his fellow World Cup winner perform to the maximum of his ability.

Mata, who is yet to score for United, has only made two of his eight appearances in a central role and has been selected on the wing when both Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have been fit.

And Silva told British daily newspapers: "They have not managed to bring out the best out in him but he is a very talented player and he will show it."

Mata won Chelsea’s Player of the Year award in each of his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge but was often omitted from the team by Jose Mourinho this season.

Silva said: "He wasn't getting the minutes at Chelsea so it was a good move for him to go to United."

The 28-year-old insisted there is no truth in stories suggesting he will go to Barcelona, adding: "I am flattered with the reports linking me to Barcelona, but it's just rumours. I am very used to rumours every summer."

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