Mata: Victory Is All That Matters

Juan Mata admits Manchester United were made to work hard for Saturday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa, but insists victory is all that matters as the Reds continue to challenge for a Champions League spot.

The Spain international returned to the starting line-up for the game at Old Trafford and helped Louis van Gaal's men record an important three points, which were ultimately sealed by Marcus Rashford's first-half strike.

After the game, Mata acknowledged that United might have been more clinical in front of goal, but believes victory keeps hopes of a top-four finish alive.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV, he said: "A win is a win and, in our race to get into the Champions League position, it was important to do that. Manchester City are playing a game against Chelsea and that will not be easy, so we have three very important points. Yes, we could have scored more goals, but a win is a win.

"Maybe fans and the media took the win for granted and we never do this. In the Premier League, it doesn’t matter if the team is at the top or the bottom of the table, it is always difficult. Aston Villa played with pride and it is not easy, you have to be fully focused and we were not with five minutes to go as they created chances. It is an important day for us because we won.

"We now have Crystal Palace [on Wednesday] where hopefully we can win again, then we have the semi-final in the FA Cup [against Everton] which gives us two very clear aims which is to win – if we can – every game in the Premier League to [maybe] get Champions League football, and then to win the FA Cup which the club hasn't won for a few years. We are fully focused on both tasks."

Mata was also full of praise for match-winner Rashford, who netted his seventh goal in just 12 appearances in all competitions, sweeping the ball home from close range on 32 minutes.

"He has to be in the box because every time he is in the box, he scores," the midfielder added. "He is helping us with goals and movement and we are very happy with him and all the players who are coming through the Academy. Especially for him though, as he is in a good run of goals and hopefully he can continue to score goals until the end of the season.

"He is happy because of the win, but not because of the game, because it was not the best game of the season. We did our job today though, which is why I think everyone should be happy today because it could be a very good weekend for us. During the season, we lost games like today so I think it is a day to be positive."