• Premier League

Rooney: Give Mata time to gel

ESPN staff
February 14, 2014
ESPN FC: Is Juan Mata worth £37 million?


Wayne Rooney believes it will take time for Juan Mata to gel with his new team-mates at Manchester United but said he is excited by the addition of the World Cup winner.

The Spaniard became United's £37.1 million club record signing when he joined from Chelsea in the January transfer window.

He has made four appearances for his new club, recording three assists, but has been played on the right and then the left in the three games Rooney has also started.

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David Moyes has endured a nightmare first season at Old Trafford © Getty Images
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And the striker, who is yet to score since returning from injury, admits United are still getting used to playing with Mata and vice versa.

He told the club's official website: "It's exciting. Juan has come in and it's another world-class player to have in the squad. It'll take time - it can always take a little bit of time for every player to gel and to bond but we really hope we can all start scoring goals and help the team be successful."

Manager David Moyes is facing questions how he fits Mata, Rooney and Robin van Persie into the same team. The trio have started United's last three games but the Premier League champions have not won any of them.

But Rooney hopes Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Arsenal could be the springboard to better results. He added: "We've got a lot of massive games in the Champions League and the league. We're all looking forward to them.

"I thought we did alright [on Wednesday]. It was a decent point. Arsenal are obviously a good team but we defended really well and maybe could have nicked it with the couple of chances we had.

"Coming to Arsenal any time and getting a point is always a good result. You have to take confidence from it. We've been stop-start for most of the season, but we hope we can build on this.

"We have a bit of a break before our next game now and hopefully we can prepare well and kick on for the big matches coming up."

Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata were frustrated by Fulham on Sunday © Getty Images
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