The Dutch boss revealed the Spaniard is part of an experienced pool of players he relies upon to drive the team, and urged patience in the upcoming clash with West Brom
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said it was "an easy decision" to have Juan Mata captain the side in their 1-0 victory over Watford in midweek.
The Red Devils could be considered lucky to have picked up all three points as the Hornets having failed to capitalise on some good chances in front of goal, with Mata's late free-kick ultimately proving the difference between the two sides.
And Van Gaal said the decision to have the Spaniard lead the side was not a difficult one to make.
"It was not a difficult decision to give Mata the armband because I have an elder group of players with whom I talk about aspects of things - training sessions, meetings or how we have to approach players and so on," the Dutchman told MUTV.
"Juan is a member of that group with the three captains - Rooney, Carrick and Smalling - and Bastian Schweinsteiger as well, so it was an easy choice for me.”
With United's clash against West Brom on Sunday fast approaching, Van Gaal has urged patience from his players as they prepare to line up against a Tony Pulis side renowned for defending as a unit - and in large numbers.
“We should be more confident, but it’s always dependable on results," he said.
"Of course, the atmosphere has been raised so it is better, but every opponent in the Premier League is difficult to beat and we have to beat West Bromwich Albion. We’re still behind the top teams and we have to close that gap.
“We have to be patient but we also need to move the ball more quickly. When you do that, you create more chances. We have to improve that against opponents like West Brom, because that is the only way you can score.”
- Goal