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Van Gaal explains Mata’s role at United

Mata-goalJuan Mata was instrumental in Manchester United’s 3-0 win against Stoke on Tuesday night, as the Spaniard pulled the strings superbly, as his side played with an attacking intent they had not shown at any other stage of the season.

Deployed in his favourite number 10 role, the former Chelsea man, who scored against Derby a few days earlier, was mightily impressive alongside Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial. Louis Van Gaal has suggested Mata will continue to be selected in his favourite position as long as he continues to control games the way he did against the Potters, adding Mata had only himself to blame for being deployed in a different role.

“I have already played Mata in that role,” said Van Gaal when asked if the Spaniard will continue as number 10.

“I’m not changing him from that role, he has changed himself, because at that time he wasn’t good enough. That is the reason.

“When he is playing like he has played now, he shall play at No.10.

“But maybe I have another No.10 who is better than Mata. Maybe Andreas Pereira is better? We will have to see.”