Juan Mata opts for No. 8 jersey at Manchester United but might not play preferred No. 10 role

JUAN Mata steers clear of Manchester United's fabled No. 7 jersey, but where does he fit into David Moyes's side?

HE LEFT Chelsea after Jose Mourinho refused to consider him as a 'No 10', but Juan Mata isn't likely to be given that role by David Moyes, either.

The 25-year-old playmaker will make his United debut in front of 76,000 fans at Old Trafford tomorrow as Moyes's men attempt to get back to winning ways against struggling Cardiff City.

In the possible absence of Wayne Rooney, who is making his way back from a groin injury, Mata may well fill an advanced central attacking role against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team, sitting just behind a lone centre forward. However, once Rooney is fit, it seems likely that Mata will be asked to undertake a deeper, wider position.

WHAT'S JOSE UP TO, SELLING TO A BIG RIVAL?

MATA OFFICIALLY UNVEILED AT OLD TRAFFORD

News_Rich_Media: While transfers like Juan Mata from Chelsea to Manchester United are rare, they aren't unheard of - Fox sports takes a look at other Premier League transfers that have taken place between fierce rivals.

NO NEED FOR A PERFECT 10

MOYES admitted last summer, when United turned down the chance to sign Mesut Ozil, that he didn't need a No 10, with 18-year-old starlet Adnan Januzaj earmarked for that role in the long term.

In the immediate future, the Scot will be relishing the prospect of fielding a front four comprising Van Persie up top, Rooney in behind the Dutchman, with Mata and Januzaj linking the play on either side (above right).

News_Rich_Media: Chelsea have progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup after a 1-0 win over Stoke City, while Fulham were held to a 1-1 draw at League One outfit Stevenage.

The difference for Mata - who at Chelsea was behind Oscar and Eden Hazard in the pecking order - is that his playing style is completely different to Rooney's. In theory at least, he should complement the England striker well.

News_Rich_Media: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has responded to Jose Mourinho's claims that the Gunners are favoured by the Premier League fixture list.

PASS MASTER

THE last time Mata completed 90 minutes for Chelsea, in a 3-1 win over Southampton last month, he made a total of 53 passes, of which 41 reached their target, 29 were played forward in the opposing half, and five led to attempts at goal. For Moyes, the Spaniard's quick brain and sharp passing skills will be a key factor in how he sets up his United team.

PREVIEW: MID-WEEK EPL ACTION

Wednesday

Southampton v Arsenal - 6.35am (EDT), FS 1HD

Liverpool v Everton - 6.50am (EDT), FS 2 HD

Crystal Palace v Hull City - 6.35am (EDT), Viewer's Choice

Manchester United v Cardiff City - 6.35am (EDT), Viewer's Choice

Norwich City v Newcastle United - 6.35am (EDT), Viewer's Choice

Swansea City v Fulham - 6.35am (EDT), Viewer's Choice

Thursday

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City - 6.35am (EDT), FS 1HD

Chelsea v West Ham United - 6.35am (EDT), FS 1HD

Sunderland v Stoke City - 6.35am (EDT), Viewer's Choice

Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion - 6.35am (EDT), Viewer's Choice