Mata: Front-four Fight Is Healthy

Even in the absence of Wayne Rooney, Manchester United’s front four against PSV Eindhoven looked formidable with new signing Anthony Martial at the spearhead, Ashley Young and Memphis operating on the flanks, and Juan Mata moving into the central 'no.10' role.

While the result did not go United’s way in the end, there were some encouraging moments, especially in the free-flowing period just before half-time when the Reds were arguably unfortunate not to go 3-0 up instead of being pegged back at 1-1.

With Rooney to return and the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Andreas Pereira and James Wilson appearing in the bigger picture, the battle for attacking berths in Louis van Gaal’s line-up looks to be as keenly contested as ever. We asked a man who has literally been in the middle of it all, Mata, for his thoughts on the subject. This is what the Spaniard had to say when we interviewed him before the Eindhoven trip…

The competition for starting places in the front four seems fierce this season – how do you see it?

It is tough but I think every player needs that competition to grow as a player. You must not fall asleep and take your position for granted. The competition helps us a lot.

Does it help when you play in the same role for an extended period?

It helps. You get more used to the players, you get more used to the movement of your team-mates, but I also think it’s good for me and any player to be able to play in different positions, not just on the right or left or as a no.10. I have played in those positions a lot in my career but I think I can play in every position offensively in the team and I think that’s good for me to grow as a player.

You’ve been operating mainly on the right-hand side this season – how have you found that?

I’ve really enjoyed it. Obviously I am not a winger, if you imagine an old-school winger who is trying to play one-against-one and to cross the ball. I try to find my spaces from the right and cut inside and in behind, and try to assist my team-mates. I really enjoy it there. I think it’s very important for us to create little triangles on the wings with myself and Matteo [Darmian] and then with the midfield. That’s what the manager wants and we can play inside and outside. It’s good for us to be able to create chances for the striker.

How easy does it make your job when a player like Wayne Rooney is the focal point of the attack?

Obviously it’s easy when you have players like him there. He is moving all the time and trying to make a line for your pass. I was very happy for him after his three goals against Club Brugge, but he’s not a striker that just scores, he does a lot of work for the team offensively and also to protect the ball.

Memphis has started every match – how have you found playing with him and how far can his talent take him?

He’s very talented, everyone can see that. He is still young so he has to take things step by step, but I think he will do great. He’s a good guy and is settling in very well in the team and into the English culture and league. Hopefully he will be very important for us. He has all the qualities to be a successful player here. He’s quick, he shoots on goal with both feet and he’s intelligent. He’s a great player, but he knows that he has to keep improving and keep going.