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‘He’s a very valuable member of the squad and a great professional’: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praises Juan Mata’s influence after Spaniard’s stellar turn in Manchester United’s win at Brighton
- Juan Mata put a man of the match in the victory of Manchester United
- The 32-year-old scored the first goal and scored another in the 3-0 win at Brighton
- Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praise for the Spanish’s performance
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised Juan Mata’s influence after the Spaniard starred in Manchester United’s Carabao Cup victory in Brighton.
The visitors were left without a 3-0 winners when Mata, 32, headed in Scott McTominay before scoring his 50th goal for the club on a deflected free kick by Paul Pogba that closed the win.
There was nothing quite like the drama of United’s last Premier League win here at Amex Stadium four days ago, with 19 changes combined on both sides.
Juan Mata made a man of the match performance in Manchester United’s win at Brighton
In a rare first half, Mata won a free kick before dusting off to cross McTominay and lead United.
He then doubled the lead himself, having also scored in the victory at Luton in the previous round.
“His composure and experience (are vital) for a young team,” Solskjaer said of the former Chelsea midfielder, who was captain for the night.
The midfielder was crucial to United’s first goal in a 3-0 win after being fouled
His teammate Scott McTominay headed his resulting free kick before the break.
“I think he created more or less every moment in this game that was of the highest quality in an offensive sense.
“He is a very valuable member of the team and a top professional. It’s never easy to tell when you’re not playing.
“He has had a fantastic career, he has won everything there is to win more or less.
“It’s an example for everyone to see, how you behave and how you perform when you have the opportunity.”
United moved into the bottom eight after the win as Solskjaer seeks his first title as boss.
The Spaniard then doubled United’s lead in the second half with a strong finish at the Amex.
Mata celebrates his goal that gave United a 2-0 lead in the Carabao Cup fourth round tie
The Red Devils reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League last season and the Norwegian believes those near misses will help his players this year.
“ Definitely, ” he replied when asked if he would add momentum to his team.
“We are already in the quarter-finals and, of course, depending on the situation in December we will want to go to the semi-finals again. Defeats in the semifinals, of course they hurt. ”
The 32-year-old controlled the game in midfield leaving manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer purring.
Solskjaer will now hope that his team can kick into the quarter-finals of the cup.
Brighton boss Graham Potter felt the scoring was tough for his players after what he thought was an even competition.
“I thought it was a pretty even first half,” he said.
“We were in the game but then really disappointed with the goal we conceded before the break. In the end, 3-0 seems like a tough score, but I think it was a competitive game from our perspective.
They bring Pogba and (Marcus) Rashford in and it gets a little more complicated for you. I thought we competed and had good times, I have no problem with that and the spirit of the players. ‘
