• Premier League

Van Gaal teaching United the 'right way' to play - Mata

Juan Mata says he likes the way Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal "sees football" © PA Photos

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Juan Mata has defended Louis van Gaal's attacking tactics and believes the Dutchman will get Manchester United playing the "right way."

United currently sit fourth in the Premier League after 22 games and, although Van Gaal maintains a top four finish is his main objective this season, his philosophy has attracted scrutiny from several of the club's former employees.

Former first-team coach Rene Meulensteen claimed United were having an "identity crisis" under Van Gaal, while ex-players Michael Owen, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes have all made their thoughts well known in recent weeks.

But Mata told the club's official website: "I think we are all learning from the manager. He is a great character and a great coach.

"The way he wants to play football is the right way, which is an attacking way. That means we try to work hard with the ball, try to create space to pass the ball quickly and to switch it from side to side.

"I really like the way he sees football and we are all trying to do our best for him, the staff and for Ryan [Giggs]."

Mata was rested for United's FA Cup fourth round clash at Cambridge United on Friday, after which Van Gaal claimed "everything" had been against his side during the 0-0 stalemate.

The Spaniard joined United from Chelsea last January for a then-club record £42.5 million as David Moyes looked to improve his struggling side.

Speaking about his switch from west London, Mata added: "Obviously you feel very lucky to come here in a transfer like that and I just wanted to give back all this confidence [shown in me] on the pitch.

"The welcome was unbelievable from everyone at the club - the staff, the players, the fans, everyone who works for United.

"Obviously the size of the club and reaction around the world to the transfer was incredible. It was a bit like 'whoa, it's a massive club'."

Despite inconsistent form under Van Gaal this season, United's players have defended his approach: club record signing Angel Di Maria, who joined for £59.7 million last summer, recently claimed the club had "grown" under the 63-year-old's leadership.

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