Mata Thrilled With First-half Performance

Juan Mata believes Manchester United’s first-half performance in the win over Watford was "one of the best" this season as the Reds maintained pressure on their top-four rivals.

The Spaniard opened the scoring in the 2-0 win before Anthony Martial doubled the Reds' advantage in the second half. Victory took United’s unbeaten run to 16 Premier League games, while also seeing the club become the first side to reach 2000 Premier League points since the competition was formed in 1992.

“I think we played good football today,” Mata told MUTV. “We played very offensive, trying to create chances, especially in the first half. I think we played really good, we could have scored more goals but the most important thing was that we got the three points through good football and I think the fans will come back to their houses very happy today.

“It was one of the best halves in the season because, from the first minute, we knew that we had to play with a high tempo. We need to play the ball quickly and run in behind sometimes. It was very enjoyable to watch and even better to play.”

Following his sixth league goal of the season, the attacking midfielder removed his boot in celebration – a decision he said was solely due to loose footwear.

“My boot was half off, half in when I scored so, when I started to celebrate, it came out,” he laughed. “It’s a good advertisement for adidas!”

Martial, who claimed the assist for Mata’s goal before adding one of his own, was afforded particular praise by the 28-year-old.

“I was very happy for him,” Mata continued. “There were some difficult weeks for him but he has been training good. He’s a great friend, he’s a great player and he can give us a lot of things and now he’s with confidence, he’s a terrific player.”

With four cup games before the club’s next Premier League game, a home match against Bournemouth, Mata appreciated the need to take three points and keep the pressure on the sides towards the top of the table.

“We need to find this consistency in our game and today we found it and it's three very important points," added the Spain international. "We climbed a little bit in the table and we want to go higher and higher.

“Today was a very important step to go in with confidence into this busy week. We need to focus on the Cups and the Europa League and try to build momentum.”