Mata Enjoying Herrera Link-up

Juan Mata says he is thoroughly enjoying linking up with fellow countryman Ander Herrera in Manchester United’s midfield following a long history of playing together for the Spanish youth teams.

The pair came through Spain’s international ranks together and, alongside current team-mate David De Gea, won the European Under-21 Championship in 2011.

Herrera joined De Gea and Mata at Old Trafford in the summer and the midfielder has featured alongside Mata in all of his eight games for the club this term. Juan says the duo, who are close friends off the pitch, have formed a good understanding and are relishing their chance to link up in the team.

"I think maybe we see the game in the same way," Mata told ManUtd.com. "We are different players but we like to play the same way, which is to try to pass, to assist, to move and to find the gaps in the opposition defence. Ander is a great player and everyone who plays with him enjoys it."

Both Mata and Herrera have played a big part in United’s excellent run of results of late, with a hard-fought victory at Arsenal – our first away from home this term – acting as the catalyst.

"Yes, I think that’s the point – winning a very big game, away from home, was very important,” he added. "That was after winning against Crystal Palace with a late goal and then winning two games in a row at Old Trafford. The confidence has been boosted with these results."

Mata has chipped in with two goals in his last five games, both winners against Palace and Stoke City. The Spaniard has been pleased with his form in front of goal – only Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have scored more times in the league this calendar year – and hopes to continue his good run over the busy festive period.

"I have always tried to score as many goals as I can," he said. "Even though I’m not a proper striker, I have always had a good record at the end of the season with every team I have played for and right now I will try to keep scoring more.”