Manchester United midfield ace Juan Mata is loving life under new manager Louis van Gaal and believes should the Dutchman position him behind the front pair then we will see the Spaniard’s best again.
Mata is known for his versatility and has mainly played on the left at United – unsurprising given he is left-footed.
However with a new regime in place at Old Trafford, now is the time for Van Gaal to copy Mata’s old boss Rafael Benitez, at former club Chelsea, and play him behind likely starting duo Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
“Things are changing and everyone is finding their new role in the team. But if I play behind the two strikers I feel comfortable,” said Mata, currently on tour with United in the USA.
“I have played on the left or right but my best season was when I played in that position under Rafa Benítez (in 2012/13).
“We are starting a new season with a new manager and we aim to put the club back where it deserves to be and that is fighting at the top.”
Mata said a weight appeared to be off the players’ shoulders after a tricky transition phase last season.
“Hopefully we can play good football and I can do assists and score goals because that is what I have to do.
“It was difficult last season, when I arrived it was a difficult time for the club. We had changed managers but didn’t get the results.”
Some will point the finger at old manager David Moyes while others would criticise the players for perhaps not giving their all for the club last term.
However, like Moyes or loathe him, there is no hiding Van Gaal’s restorative affect on the United morale.
“We feel the manager is a great manager who has brought a strong mentality. This club is made for a winning mentality and I think he has it,” said Mata.
“He is right to be demanding,” added the 26-year-old, referring to Van Gaal’s anger after United’s 3-2 tour defeat of Italians AS Roma at the weekend.
“As a player you want a coach like this, always demanding more and to play better and try to win the games earlier or in a different way.”
Main image courtesy of Jason Cairnduff/Action Images, with thanks.
