Goals Mata to Manchester United’s special Juan

Manchester United’s Juan Mata says he is aiming to take his goal tally into double figures for a third consecutive season and believes scoring is one of his greatest attributes.

The Spaniard is second only to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in United’s goal-scoring chart with eight domestically and has netted in his last two Premier League games.

Following Jose Mourinho’s comments earlier this month that he wanted other players to ease the goal-scoring burden on Ibrahimovic, Mata also admits that the manager expects goals from the playmaker.

“I’m happy with my goals total. Hopefully I can score many more between now and the end of the season, and then look back on a really good season,” he said.

“I haven’t set a target but hopefully I can have 10 goals for a third season in a row.

“I think he (Mourinho) appreciates some different qualities from different players, so whenever I play I always try to be in that position that allows me to create a chance or finish one.

“Sometimes you score, sometimes you don’t, but it’s important to always be in the right positions.

“I try to play with the ball – possession, passes, assists – but scoring goals has also been a big part of my career.”