Mata full of admiration for Carrick
Juan Mata has shared his admiration for Michael Carrick, as his former team-mate heads into his second game as Manchester United's caretaker manager - against Chelsea on Sunday.
The Spaniard insists that Carrick was ideal for the role, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure from the club last weekend.
''He has been assistant for a few seasons now, firstly with Jose [Mourinho] and now more recently with Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer]," began the Reds' no.8.
"He knows exactly what it takes."
Press Conference: Chelsea (A)
Find out what Michael Carrick had to say ahead of the game at Chelsea...
''His first game was a victory which we are all really happy about and like he has said, he is taking every day as it comes.
''We all know he will give his best for the club, which he has always done, and of course as players, we support him and will try to do the same by giving our everything every single day," added the former Chelsea man.
Mata, now 33, and into his eighth season with United, has shared the pitch with some superb midfield talents during his time with the club, including the likes of Andre Herrera, Bastian Schweinsteiger and, more recently, Paul Pogba.
When quizzed on the skills Carrick possessed in that position during his playing days here at Old Trafford, the 2010 World Cup winner insisted that his talents were undoubtedly clear for all to see.
''Michael is a great person and I have played with him many times here so I know first hand how much of a great player he was," said the Spaniard.
''To have him as a midfielder, he would always look for that pass and would for sure find you on the field.
''It was very nice to play with him and for the people that had that chance, it was a blessing."