Ole: ‘Mata is vital member of the squad’

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer says Juan Mata gave United a ‘different dimension’ in their 4-0 thrashing of Norwich City.

Mata, 31, assisted goals for Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in either half – his first Premier League assists of the campaign – in what was just his sixth league start this season.

Solskjaer has primarily started Mata in cup competitions but Jesse Lingard’s illness created an opening for Mata to return to the starting XI. Mata last week started at Wolves in the FA Cup third round and could line up again in Wednesday’s replay.

Rather than start Mata in the No.10 role against Norwich, Solskjaer selected him on the right flank but Mata moved infield to effect the game with an inviting cross for Rashford’s opener in the 26th minute.

“He was excellent, Juan,” Solskjaer said. “When we get Juan facing forward he can pick passes, he can put crosses in. Delighted with him. He’s a vital member of the squad.

“And today we found him more than we’ve done before when he’s played and getting him facing forward creating chances for us. I think Juan played really well and the way Mason [Greenwood]’s played there a few times as a left-footed one. Today, we felt this was the right team to go with.”

“We speak throughout the week and what we want him to do.

“You let Juan find solutions. I can’t find solutions for him from the sidelines but we want to get him on the ball as much as he can and it was important to get final spaces.

We’ve got quick players. I could have chosen Dan [James] with his pace but Juan gives us a different dimension.”

Norwich boss Daniel Farke was also full of praise for Mata.

“I love this player,” Farke told reporters after the defeat.

“We talked after the final whistle and I told him that we would have preferred him to stay on the sidelines today!

“He was fantastic because he always finds the right moment and timing for his movements. It was crucial for United to be so good in possession today to have Juan Mata. He is still for me a top-class player.

“I would take him for my side! I just have to speak to Ole later on but, I think there’s no chance.”