Mata enjoying Spain connection

Cape Town - Juan Mata is reveling in the budding partnership with Manchester United's newest Spanish recruit, Ander Herrera.

Juan Mata thinks that while he and Ander Herrera play in a different way, the two Spaniards see the game the same way and that is helping the pair unlock opposition defences.

Herrera joined De Gea and Mata at Old Trafford in the summer and the midfielder has featured alongside Mata in all of his eight games for the club this term. Juan says the duo, who are close friends off the pitch, have formed a good understanding and are relishing their chance to link up in the team.

Mata told ManUtd.com: "We are different players but we like to play the same way, which is to try to pass, to assist, to move and to find the gaps in the opposition defence. Ander is a great player and everyone who plays with him enjoys it."

Mata believes the win at Arsenal was something of a turning point for the Red Devils after struggling in the early stages of the league.

"Yes, I think that’s the point – winning a very big game, away from home, was very important,” added Mata.

"That was after winning against Crystal Palace with a late goal and then winning two games in a row at Old Trafford. The confidence has been boosted with these results."

Mata, Herrera and Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea all played together in Spain's 2011 triumph in the European Under-21 Championship.

The trio of Spaniards will next line up for Manchester United on Sunday against Liverpool.

The match kicks off at Old Trafford at 15:30.