The midfielder shone in the No.10 role in Manchester United's 3-0 win over Stoke City but his manager wants to see him perform more consistently
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says Juan Mata must perform every week if he is to keep hold of his place in his starting XI.
The Spain international was one of the best players on the pitch in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Stoke City as he thrived in his favoured No.10 role.
Mata has often played as a right winger under the Dutchman and Van Gaal urged him to show consistency if he wants to play in his preferred position every week.
“He was participating in all the three goals so that is what I like to see,” Van Gaal said. “When he is playing how he is playing now the chance is big [to stay at No 10] but every player has to prove it every week.
“Even my captain [Rooney] has to do that because everybody has now forgotten he was a substitute against Stoke City away [in December].
“It is always the same with me. You have to prove it every game, every training session and then you play. When he [Mata] plays like this, I cannot say to him: ‘Go to the bench.’ ”
- Goal