Carrick Heralds Mata's First Year

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has hailed team-mate Juan Mata’s contribution to the side as the Spaniard prepares to celebrate his one-year anniversary as a Red.

The former Chelsea man put pen to paper on a then club-record deal worth £37.1million on 25 January 2014 and Carrick believes his acquisition has been an important one for the United.

“He’s just a little magician, isn’t he? So clever and with so much ability – he’s a pleasure to watch,” Carrick told MUTV. “Playing against him over the years, I knew how good he was and we see it in training every day; some of the things he does really stand out.

“That left foot of his can open up any defence and, despite having such a slight physique, he’s a terrific player.”

In addition to his impressive performances on the pitch, the diminutive forward has become a popular figure in and around the club since making the journey up north, and has even found himself handed an unusual position inside the dressing room.

“I have to say he’s such a nice lad. He speaks English very well and is very intelligent,” the England international added. “He’s even had a little job of translating [for the Spanish contingent] this year!”