Paul Scholes has praised the composure Juan Mata has given his former side Manchester United following his recent return to the starting line-up.

Despite only arriving in January last year, the influx of summer signings saw the Spaniard spend much of the first half of the season on the bench, leading to suggestions he could be on his way out of the club.

However, he was brought back into the side following Angel Di Maria’s sending off against Arsenal in the FA Cup and has quickly established himself as a key part of Louis van Gaal’s plans.

The 26-year-old netted twice in the recent victory over Liverpool and was again on target as United blew local rivals Manchester City away last weekend.

Although seemingly starting out as a winger in Van Gaal’s 4-3-3 system, Mata has earned plenty of praise for his willingness to come inside and take control of proceedings in areas he would perhaps be prohibited from entering in a more rigid system.

Scholes admits he has been impressed by the impact the former Chelsea man has made in recent weeks, praising the calming influence he has on those around him.

“He has given United such composure,” Scholes said. “He is not a winger, in the conventional sense, but he comes inside and gets involved in the game.

“He always passes to a red shirt and he is so cool, as you saw with his finish against City.”

Having won their last six in the Premier League, United are now playing with plenty of confidence but face an extremely tough task on Saturday when they meet leaders Chelsea.

The Red Devils go into the game at 4.00 to extend their run at Stamford Bridge with the draw at 3.30 and the Blues priced at 3.20.