Spaniard admits goal should not have counted.
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Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has admitted he was in fact in an offside position when he scored against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The Spaniard helped Louis van Gaal’s side to their sixth straight victory, heading United into a 2-0 lead but the goal was controversial as television footage appeared to show Mata in an offside position after Robin van Persie got a slight touch on Ashley Young’s cross.
Mata claims, however, that he didn’t realise his mistake on the pitch.
“Personally, I was fortunate to score again. To be honest, I watched the footage and it’s true that I’m offside after Robin’s header. That is something you don’t realise when you are on the pitch,” wrote Mata in his personal blog.
“Anyway, we scored two more goals and that reinforces our victory,” he added.
The Spaniard was also full of praise for his country-man David De Gea who’s man of the match performance has been widely lauded after making a string of saves from Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli.
“He is in top form. Everybody’s praising him and now we have to keep working so we don’t need so many saves from him in the next few games; we have to get better in that regard. David gives us complete confidence,” Mata wrote.
After scoring twice during United’s six-game unbeaten run, against Stoke and Crystal Palace, the Spaniard now appears to be enjoying his time at Old Trafford following a difficult first few months following his £37.1 million move from Chelsea.
“The support of the United fans during my time here has been amazing, something really gratifying, but this Sunday was special,” said Mata.
“This 3-0 strengthens our position at the top side of the table; it makes us feel strong. Since the moment I stepped onto the pitch from the tunnel to the very last minute of the match, the atmosphere was incredible.”