Mata: Today Is The Day To Be Proud

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata was delighted to play a part in Sunday's 3-2 win over Arsenal, saying "today is a day to be proud of the club".

The Reds secured a vital three points at Old Trafford courtesy of Marcus Rashford's first-half double and a deflected strike from Ander Herrera with 25 minutes left, capping a great week of results for the club.

Victory over the Gunners means Louis van Gaal's men have now won three key games in seven days, leaving Mata to express his delight after the match.

In an exclusive interview with ManUtd.com, he said: "We are absolutely delighted. It was a very big game, both for us and Arsenal, and I think we showed great passion today. We played very well, with intensity, so we’re happy today. I feel very proud of the team, the young players and supporters who lifted us today.

"We knew this was a massive week for us. We had to go through in the FA Cup and then the Europa League, and we also had to win today if we still wanted to be in [the race for] the top positions in the Premier League. It’s a massive win for us and I think it’s been a great week – we played great football and won against a big rival today."

Though Rashford will again make the headlines after another two-goal display, Mata was quick to praise all of the youngsters who featured against Arsenal - with both Tim Fosu-Mensah and James Weir making their debuts - and believes the result marks a significant day for the club's Academy.

"Marcus is on fire!" Mata added. "He scored two goals against Midtjylland and now again against Arsenal. I’m sure it’s a week he’ll never forget.

"I feel so proud – I can’t tell you how proud I am of all of them. It’s not easy for young lads to come here and play well, but the quality they’re showing is great. Obviously, everyone is talking about Marcus and we’re all delighted for him, but the others who came in to play in defence and midfield were also great. I think today is a day to be proud of the club and its Academy – we’ve shown the level that we have."