Juan Mata Delighted With No.10 Role in New Louis van Gaal System

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is delighted with his role in Louis van Gaal''s new set up as the manager continues to fine tune his 3-5-2 formation.

Spain international Mata has been handed a central role behind the forward as part of the club's attacking trident that worked so successfully during their pre-season tour of the United States.

During the tour, United recorded wins over LA Galaxy, Roma, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Liverpool ahead of the new season, conceding just four goals and scoring 16.

Van Gaal's new system, which he also implemented at the World Cup with Netherlands who secured third place in Brazil, has been credited with the early success ahead of a pivotal season for the club.

The tactical adjustment has allowed Mata to take up a role as a number 10 after frequently spending time stranded out wide last season and the 26-year-old is enjoying the opportunity to play in his favoured role.

"We are all excited to start the new season," Mata told the club's official website. "Everybody wants to do better, we want to fight for the trophies and this club deserves that. "We will try our best. I feel good, and I feel comfortable in this position.

"I have to do what the manager wants me to do, both offensively and defensively, and I am trying to do that.

"It can be a good position for me to try to perform to my best."

Mata scored his second goal of the Van Gaal era on Monday evening as United defeated Liverpool in the final of the International Champions Cup in Miami.

United will take on Mata's former club Valencia in their final pre-season game of the summer on 12 August where new signings Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera will play in front of an Old Trafford crowd for the first time.

United get their Premier League campaign underway against Swansea City at Old Trafford on 16 August.