Juan Mata was the star of the show yet again, as Manchester United emerged 3-0 victors against Stoke City in the Premier League on Tuesday. Louis van Gaal heaped praise on the Spaniard, and revealed he had to give Mata another start after his fine showing against Derby County.
Manchester United have managed three wins in their last five games, as Louis van Gaal’s men finally gain some momentum towards the business end of the season.
Van Gaal heaps praise on Mata
Mata was a part of Manchester United’s starting XI for the second game running, and Van Gaal admitted that when the Spaniard is in such form, it is difficult to leave him on the bench.
“When he is playing how he is playing now the chance is big but every player has to prove it every week even my captain has to do that,” the Dutchman said, as reported by Manchester United evening news.
“It is for everybody always the same with me. You have to prove it every game, every training session and then you play. When he (Mata) plays like this, I cannot say to him ‘go to the bench’.”
Boss pleased to see Rooney on the scoresheet
Wayne Rooney scored his 14th goal of the season against Stoke, and the Englishman is now just 6 strikes away from becoming United’s all-time top scorer.
“I hope for him that he does it and it is also good for me then because when he scores, we win,” added Van Gaal.
Much needed performance before trip to Stamford Bridge
Pep Guardiola has confirmed he has given his word of commitment to the other half of Manchester, and that is sure to disappoint Man United. However, with Wayne Rooney among the goal scorers and Juan Mata in exquisite form, Manchester United must feel confident at this point in time, as they get ready to battle it out at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Red Devils are presently in 5th position, and will be looking to climb further up the table with a win against Chelsea.
