Mata: This Season Was A Big Step Forward

Juan Mata enjoyed a successful 2014/15 with Manchester United and his 10 goals included a brace at Liverpool that secured his place in Reds folklore. Here, the Spanish playmaker gives his thoughts on the key topics and personnel from his first full season with the club…

MATA ON… PROGRESS
"I think this season was a big step towards where this club deserves to be. We had a new manager with a new philosophy and we brought in new players. Next season we will hopefully play in the Champions League, which is a massive objective for the club, and we’ll be trying to win trophies."

MATA ON… LOUIS VAN GAAL
"He is a tough manager, very strict and always looking at the players in every training session and every game, but he’s also a very good manager. He has great experience, a really good and strong character and he always wants to win and play good football."

MATA ON… THAT DAY AT ANFIELD
"From the beginning I had a good feeling about the game. I remember every touch, every movement – it was like everything was flowing. When you score a goal in the first half you have more confidence and the second goal was very nice and very important. It was a great day for the club, for the team and for myself."

MATA ON… ANDER HERRERA
"He has added his quality to the pitch and his personality to the dressing room. He’s a great midfielder. He can tackle and he’s a great offensive player – he can score goals, as he has done this season. He’s done a fantastic job for us and hopefully he can improve even more."

MATA ON… DAVID DE GEA
"He has a lot of talents as a goalkeeper but his calmness in any situation is what makes him special. For me he was the best during the season – I’m very happy for him that he won the two trophies [at the Player of the Year awards] – he’s done it two years in a row now and it’s well deserved."

MATA ON… AIMS FOR NEXT SEASON
"To just keep improving and giving my best to this great club and to try to reach new goals. As an offensive player I want to score, assist and give 100 per cent for the team, and as a club I think we need to be fighting for the title because that’s what all the players and fans want."

Juan Mata was interviewed for the official Manchester United Season Review 2014/15 DVD, which will be released on 18 June and is available to pre-order now from United Direct (store.manutd.com).