Mata Glad To Play His Part

Juan Mata says he was pleased to contribute to the Manchester United cause after his goal capped off a 3-1 win over Derby County in the Emirates FA Cup at the iPro Stadium.

The Spain international swept home the crucial third goal late on to kill off the hosts and book the Reds’ place in the fifth round of the competition, and Mata later expressed his joy at playing his part in an improved performance and victory.

“I’m happy with the goal, because it was the one that in a way, finished the game,” he told MUTV. “I think we did what we have to do every game - we were quicker, we created chances and tried to play in a positive way.

“It’s not easy to come here and play football, especially in the first half because they pressed a lot but I think in the first 30 to 35 minutes we were very good,” Mata continued. “In the second half, we controlled the game, they didn’t create almost any chances and we scored two more goals.”

A frenetic first half saw the game level at 1-1 heading into the interval, but the Spaniard said he was pleased with how he and his team-mates responded: “In one corner, in one free-kick, they can score, and they did it in a good play but I think we kept calm in the second half.

“We kept doing what we had to do: quick passing, trying to get forward, playing in the holes, and trying to turn and play forward, and I think we did quite well and that’s why we won.

“When you play for Manchester United there’s pressure on every game, you have to win every game and I think we managed the pressure, we played good football, and now we’re looking forward to the next game on Tuesday in the Premier League.”