Jamie Carragher has said that Juan Mata could be forced to leave Manchester United if he fails to hold down a regular starting spot.

The Spaniard has had a frustrating start to the season, but came off the bench to score the winner in United's 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

He has also been forced to play out of position to accommodate Wayne Rooney in the side, and Carragher believes that he is far too good to not be playing regularly.

"There is no doubting his quality — this is a player with a World Cup and European Championship to his name," Redknapp wrote in his column for the Daily Mail. "But he found himself surplus to requirements at Chelsea and now seems to be in a similar position at Manchester United.

"You have to credit him because he never causes a fuss or has a bad word to say. But make no mistake. He wants to play football.

"He is too good to be a super sub at United and if he doesn't get some more action, I could see him moving on or maybe even back to Spain."

Mata joined United from Premier League rivals Chelsea in January for £37m.