Mata: All About Winning

Juan Mata believes it was all about winning for Manchester United after scoring the only goal in the 1-0 victory over Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday.

The Spanish midfielder scored a fifth career goal against the Canaries – more than against any other opponents – to secure three vital points for the Reds, who put the pressure on Manchester City ahead of their game against Arsenal on Sunday.

"We needed to win but we have to win our last three games and wait to see what Manchester City and Arsenal do," he said. "We did not start good, they started pressing and having chances but I think we controlled the game and had more chances to score more goals so we’re happy today.

“I was the only one to score today so I am happy to score and to win the game. It was job done. Today was about winning. We always want to play our football, try to create chances and, for some moments, we did that. At the end, we won and it’s very important at the end of the season.

“We always want to try to win through our qualities. Today was difficult because we didn’t expect it to be too hot and the pitch was a bit dry."

Mata celebrated in front of the travelling United fans at full-time and he hopes the Reds can secure a top-four finish and pick up a Wembley win to reward the loyal support.

“It is very good when you score in the goal that is closer to the away fans," he smiled. "We do everything for the fans. They’ve had a difficult season and they deserve happiness and hopefully we can get into the Champions League and win the FA Cup for them."

It was a tough start for United in sun-baked conditions in East Anglia after Anthony Martial was injured in the warm-up and Matteo Darmian was also forced off on 18 minutes.

“It was not the best way to start the game. Anthony is very important for us, Matteo as well and hopefully they are fit for West Ham,” said Mata, who struck his ninth goal of the season in all competitions against the Canaries.

Looking ahead to Tuesday night’s crucial game against the Hammers, Mata is looking forward to a glorious atmosphere in East London and hopes United can record a memorable win in the final-ever game at Upton Park.

He added: “It’s going to be very special. West Ham are a great club with a great history, they have a very good stadium and they always create a great atmosphere there. We know it’s going to be tough as the away team and hopefully we can say we win in the last game in the stadium.”