Juan Mata: How we changed tactics to beat Derby

JUAN MATA has revealed how Manchester United decided to adopt a different approach in their FA Cup fourth round win over Derby.

 

Mata's late strike put the icing on the cake for United at Pride Park

 

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring with a brilliant curling effort before George Thorne sent the side’s in level.

But the Premier League side showed their pedigree with Daley Blind grabbing the lead back before Mata himself completed the win seven minutes from time.

And the Spaniard, deployed the number 10 role behind club captain Rooney, admitted the Red Devils had abandoned the defensive approach which has prevailed this season.

 

”It was really important for us to win,” Mata said. 

“It is not easy to come here, even though they are not in the Premier League, they are a good team and are physically strong, like to press, and I think we did a good job. 

“We came here to play football and play quicker and create more chances to score."

 

The win offers Louis van Gaal a stay of execution he will welcome with open arms.

His slower, possession-based football has become increasingly unpopular with the Old Trafford faithful.

 

And with results failing to make up for the team’s style, Van Gaal’s position at Manchester United has at times been close to untenable.

But in a week where he hit out at ‘horrible’ reports of his attempted resignation in the press, he will be glad that his team were able to produce a fluent attacking display and overcome Derby of the Championship.