Mata's Praise For Herrera

Juan Mata was pleased to collect his fourth Player of the Month prize, after being named Manchester United's star man for October, but he praised fellow nominee and good pal Ander Herrera after an incredibly close vote.

There was just one per cent between the Spanish duo, with Mata just pipping Herrera to claim the accolade.

Mata, who skippered the Reds in the draw with Burnley, played an vital role last month and netted the winner in the Manchester derby EFL Cup victory.

When asked about winning his latest monthly award and that strike against City, Mata told MUTV: "Obviously I’m very grateful. The fans have been great to me every day since I came to Manchester and this vote means that I had a good month. I want to keep playing good football and try to win football matches because that’s what matters in the end.

"It’s always special when you score against City or Liverpool. And it’s even more special when you win that game 1-0. It was an important game because, after the defeat against Chelsea, we needed that kind of performance and we got it and I was very pleased to score.

"I read afterwards [how close the vote was]. When the winner was announced we were having a nap in Istanbul [before the game] and when we woke up Ander told me and he was a little bit angry! [Laughs] Next time maybe he will win."

Mata was keen to acknowledge the excellent work of his compatriot in recent weeks, and said of Herrera: "I think he is playing great. He’s playing in a different positon right now and he’s adapting very well and I always enjoy playing alongside him. We understand football in the same way and we have a very good understanding on the pitch, the way we move and try to play and pass the ball. I think he’s a very important player for us."