Mata backs Ibra to build on first goal of the season

Ibrahimovic has been eased back into action after a knee operation by making five substitute appearances, before registering his first start of the campaign on Wednesday since the UEFA Europa League tie against Anderlecht back in April.

Although the Carabao Cup tie at Bristol City did not go to plan, the striker's venomous free-kick past former Reds goalkeeper Luke Steele was a welcome sight as the 36-year-old claimed his first goal since the win at Sunderland last term.

"Obviously, when you have eight months out of the team, it takes time to come back fully," explained Mata in an interview with MUTV.

"I think he's doing great. He put in a lot of work during the summer and has been training hard with the team.

"He scored a great goal on Wednesday as it was a well-struck free-kick. You know he can kick very strongly, like he showed, and he is one more player who can score.

"I am sure he will bring many more goals and hard work to the team until the end of the season. We are so happy he is back."

The match at Leicester City gives the Reds the perfect chance to respond to the cup disappointment and Mata is one player who is accustomed to Saturday night football, from his spell at Valencia in La Liga.

"I'm used to playing at that time because of the Spanish kick-off times," Juan told us. "Since I came to England, it's true we don't normally play that late on a Saturday. Hopefully, it will be a good game because we have good memories from there last season, when we won."

Watch Juan's interview in Match Day on MUTV this Saturday at 17:45 GMT.