Juan Mata was buoyed by Manchester United’s
resilience as the Reds held onto all three points amid Stoke City’s late
surge at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
The Spaniard, who regained the lead for the hosts ahead of the Potters’ valiant but fruitless fightback in the latter stages, was pleased with how his side dealt with the pressure as a fourth successive victory closed the gap on the Barclays Premier League’s top three teams.
“It was very tough and we were, until the last minute, suffering,” the 26-year-old admitted to MUTV. “They (Stoke) played good in their way. They came here as a very compact team and they play good counter-attacks with Bojan and quick players up front – we knew that.
“I think we played better in the second half; we kept more of the possession and created more chances. At the end, it’s a very important win, a fourth win in a row and we are getting closer.”
Marouane Fellaini’s recent good form was extended with a headed opener, something that thoroughly pleased Mata as he sees the Belgian’s stock continue to rise with each week.
“In the air, he (Fellaini) is one of the best probably in the league," said the Spaniard, "and he can score goals like he did today, arriving from the second line (of attack). He is very important and I’m very happy for him because he had difficult moments at the beginning. He was very professional, he’s a very nice guy and I’m very happy for him.”
Mata was also impressed by David De Gea, who was called upon once again, this time to produce a stunning save in the final few minutes to deny Mame Biram Diouf. The goalkeeper's importance continues to be cleared to his compatriot.
The Spaniard, who regained the lead for the hosts ahead of the Potters’ valiant but fruitless fightback in the latter stages, was pleased with how his side dealt with the pressure as a fourth successive victory closed the gap on the Barclays Premier League’s top three teams.
“It was very tough and we were, until the last minute, suffering,” the 26-year-old admitted to MUTV. “They (Stoke) played good in their way. They came here as a very compact team and they play good counter-attacks with Bojan and quick players up front – we knew that.
“I think we played better in the second half; we kept more of the possession and created more chances. At the end, it’s a very important win, a fourth win in a row and we are getting closer.”
Marouane Fellaini’s recent good form was extended with a headed opener, something that thoroughly pleased Mata as he sees the Belgian’s stock continue to rise with each week.
“In the air, he (Fellaini) is one of the best probably in the league," said the Spaniard, "and he can score goals like he did today, arriving from the second line (of attack). He is very important and I’m very happy for him because he had difficult moments at the beginning. He was very professional, he’s a very nice guy and I’m very happy for him.”
Mata was also impressed by David De Gea, who was called upon once again, this time to produce a stunning save in the final few minutes to deny Mame Biram Diouf. The goalkeeper's importance continues to be cleared to his compatriot.
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