Juan Mata: Louis Van Gaal Revived Manchester United's Winning Mentality

Juan Mata believes that Manchester United players are happy with the working methods of manager Louis van Gaal and points out that he has brought back the club's winning mentality.

The 62-year-old succeeded David Moyes following a disastrous campaign and took control after concluding his duties with Netherlands at the World Cup. In his first match in charge last Wednesday, the Red Devils thrashed MLS outfit LA Galaxy to a 7-0 victory at the Rose Bowl Stadium in USA.

Last week, Mata revealed that Van Gaal has instructed his players to speak only in English. The former Valencia and Chelsea star, who became United's record signing in January, also states that the players are adapting appropriately to the Dutchman's philosophy.

"We are happy with him and the way he works. We feel the manager is a great manager who has brought a strong mentality. This club is made for a winning mentality and he has it. He has a lot of experience and has had success in different countries. Everything is new, but we're adapting well to his style of football," Mata explained.

"He is very good on and off the pitch. He is a good man and a great manager. He's very honest, straight with the players. He says what he thinks and speaks with everyone to his face. This is good, a perfect way to do it, saying what you think about the players in front of them."

Wayne Rooney's brace coupled with Mata's strike helped United beat Italian giants AS Roma 3-2 in their second game of their pre-season tour.

The 20-time English champions raced to a 3-0 lead in the first-half but saw their advantage reduced to one after a late surge from Rudi Garcia's men in the last 15 minutes.

The Spanish international stated that the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss expressed his disappointment after the game and felt that Van Gaal's attitude in demanding a better performance from everyone was necessary.

"After the game, when we had given two goals away, he was not very happy, but his way is that of a great manager. He's right to be demanding. As a player you want a coach like this, always demanding more, to play better and to try to win the games earlier or in a different way," the 26-year-old playmaker concluded.