Spain midfielder Juan Mata was unveiled as Manchester United’s £37.1M record signing on Monday.
During the press conference Mata spoke on a number of issues, notably his eagerness to link up with Wayne Rooney.
“For me he’s one of the best players in the history of this country. He’s an unbelievable player,” Mata said.
“He’s a striker who can score, assist and come into midfield to take the ball. I will try to connect with him as much as possible and find the gaps in rival defenses. I think that’s my best style of play, to get into positions where I can assist the strikers.”
A midfielder who was deployed centrally and on the wings for Chelsea, Mata is expected to operate in the central attacking position at United. In the Red Devils’ typical 4-2-3-1 set up, Mata would play just inside Rooney but with Robin van Persie’s improvement in health (he may feature in tomorrow’s match against Cardiff City), David Moyes could roll out all three players in a 4-4-2 so long as Mata is paired with a suitable defensive player in the center of the park.
In addition to his admiration for Rooney, Mata also spoke of his attraction to United’s character and never-say-die attitude.
“What I like most about this club is the character,” said Mata. “I think if another club were in this position in the league, it would be very difficult to come back and take first position, but this club can do it.
“This is the real image I have from Manchester United, always fighting to win titles, always coming back from difficult moments.”
Mata also spoke of his fearlessness at United’s current predicament of being 7th in the league and needing a Top 4 finish.
“I love the pressure,” the 25-year-old said. “When people are suspecting big things from you then it’s a challenge but I am looking forward to being successful. This is a massive club. I’ve realised that since I came here and I’m really glad to be here. This is the club that has won the most trophies and it’s down to me to show people the football I have inside of me.”
Mata arrived at Old Trafford after a 2.5 year stint at Chelsea where he scored 32 goals and made more than 130 appearances, twice being named Chelsea’s player of the year. The Spaniard, who has chosen the No. 8 shirt, is scheduled to make his first appearance for United tomorrow at 2:45pm ET on NBC Live Extra.
