Juan Mata has thanked Manchester United supporters for their ‘love’ during the Tottenham Hotspur win on Sunday afternoon.
The Spaniard has struggled to find consistency this season but was handed his first start in two months against Spurs on Sunday as Angel di Maria was suspended.
United’s 3-0 win hands them a six-point lead over those chasing for the final Champions League place and Mata has touched on the victory.
“It was a very important victory in order to finish in the top four, since Tottenham is also in the same race,” he wrote in his blog on juanmata8.com.
“It was arguably our best first half of the season … I was very happy for the fans after the disappointment in the FA Cup against Arsenal last Monday.
“The best way to recover was by playing a good game and winning for the fans, and that’s what we gave to them – to you – against Tottenham, a very good team that we managed to neutralise.”
The former Valencia and Chelsea midfielder then touched on his own personal happiness and thanked the club’s fans for their reaction to his performance when being subbed off.
“From a personal point of view I have to say that I felt really good on the pitch and I enjoyed again from the beginning with my team-mates, trying to be helpful in all aspects of the game.
“I heard your applause and I want to thank you for that. Ever since my first day as a United player I felt the love from Old Trafford and I want you to know that it helps a lot when you play.
“Your applause when I was substituted and on my way to the dressing room is something I will never forget. Thank you so much to all of you.
“Now we must focus on each of the remaining games, and they are not many, in order to achieve our goal which is to bring the Champions League back to Old Trafford.
“Some of our rivals are also fighting for the same but I hope this win against Tottenham will give us confidence to perform at our highest level.”