Louis van Gaal: I cannot drop this in-form Manchester United star

LOUIS VAN GAAL has heaped praise on Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata following his performance against Stoke.

 

Juan Mata was key in Manchester United's win over Stoke

 

The Spaniard, who has returned to a more central role in recent games, played a key part in all of United's goals in last night's 3-0 win.

And Van Gaal has told the 27-year-old he can continue to play in his favoured position if his form continues.

 

“He participated in all three goals, that’s what I like to see," Van Gaal said of Mata following the Old Trafford victory.

"When he’s playing how he is playing now, then the chance is big [for him to feature centrally more often].

 

Louis van Gaal hopes Juan Mata keeps up form for Manchester United

 

"Every player has to do it every week, even my captain has to do that because everyone has forgotten that he was a substitute against Stoke away. 

"It’s always the same with me, you have to prove it in every game and training session, and then you play. But when Mata plays like this, I cannot say to him ‘go to the bench’."