Spanish international wants to stay in Van Gaal’s plans.
Manchester United forward Juan Mata if firm in his confidence at becoming a first team regular under Louis Van Gaal this season, the Daily Star reports.
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The former Chelsea ace has had to endure a frustrating campaign so far that has mostly seen him introduced from the bench.
However, the Spain midfield ace came off the bench to hit the winner against Crystal Palace on Saturday at Old Trafford and lift United up to sixth-place, two points off West Ham, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League spot.
And he has insisted that he has what it takes to occupy a regular first team spot, though he understands that the final decision belongs to the manager.
“The manager, like in every team, is the one who decides who plays,” he told Spanish reporters.
“And what we have to do is what I did against Palace – seize every opportunity and try to help the team. Luckily on Saturday my goal was worth three points.
“It was an explosion of joy because the game was difficult, because we came away from several games without a victory and (the goal) was important. I’m very happy.”
Van Gaal, who was appointed as David Moyes’ successor in May, has endured a mixed start to his reign at United despite splashing out an incredible £150m in the summer.
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