Manchester United

Juan Mata happy to compete with Alexis Sanchez for starting spot

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 01 March 2018

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata says that he is happy to alternate his position in attacking midfield, as he welcomes the January acquisition of Alexis Sanchez.

Juan Mata has hailed the recent arrival of Alexis Sanchez at Manchester United and claimed that he is happy to compete for a regular starting spot in his favoured position.

Sanchez joined the Red Devils from Premier League rivals Arsenal at the end of January as part of a swap that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan, another attacking midfielder, move the opposite way.

Despite the strong competition for places Mata, who prides himself on his versatility across the attack line, insists that it is all part of being at a club the size of Man United.

"Alexis is a great player and it's fantastic news for us to have him with us," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "Competition is high, in a team like Manchester United there will always be some kind of competition for places.

"Over the years I have been playing in different positions, since Valencia as a left winger and then I moved when playing for Chelsea as kind of No 10.

"Since I came to United I am playing mostly in the right, but I am trying to adapt myself to different positions and try to give my football for the benefit of the team and that's what I enjoy doing.

"Goals have always been part of my game and this season I haven't scored as many as I would like but I'm doing assists and having the chances and I think that's important as goals will come."

Mata boasts three goals and four assists from his 22 Premier League appearances this season.