Juan Mata Eager to Regain Manchester United Starting Spot Against Arsenal

Manchester United star Juan Mata is looking forward to regaining his place in Louis van Gaal's starting line-up in their Premier League visit to Arsenal on Saturday 22 November.

The former Chelsea maestro has had a difficult start to life under the new boss, starting only seven games in the first eleven domestic league fixtures.

After being benched ahead of Marouane Fellaini in the last two games against Manchester City and Crystal Palace, the Spaniard also saw himself out of the national team – even though Manchester City star David Silva, Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas and Barcelona's Andres Iniesta were injured.

But after scoring a crucial goal coming from the bench during the 1-0 victory over Palace just before the international break, he is now hoping to play his part at the Emirates Stadium.

"The week that now comes to an end has been different due to the international break. There were no fixtures in the Premier League and that's why I'm already looking forward to our next match on Saturday," Mata wrote in his weekly blog.

"I have good memories of my previous games against Arsenal; obviously they are a tough opponent, but they use to play very good football and they also leave you play. The Emirates is a great stadium and I hope we have a nice game and bring back three points to keep moving up on the table."

Meanwhile, Mata has heavily praised his teammate Wayne Rooney after the striker won his 100th English International cap against Slovenia on Saturday night, scoring a goal to lead Roy Hodgson's side to a 2-1 victory.

"Of all the international games of the weekend I would like to highlight Spain's victory - obviously, I would love to go back with them - and also Wayne Rooney's 100th England cap.

"Only a few chosen ones can get that far and I'm sure he will play many more games, so here I congratulate him. You deserve it, Wayne."