Mata seeks more nice Newcastle moments

Some of the Spaniard’s best moments in a red shirt have come in meetings with the Magpies, including the trademark free-kick he netted against Rafael Benitez’s side at Old Trafford in October.

That goal kick-started a late comeback of course; after trailing 2-0 with just 20 minutes remaining, the Reds managed to emerge as 3-2 winners.

However, for Mata, Newcastle’s first-half performance at Old Trafford demonstrates the threat the Magpies possess.

“They started really well [that day] and in the first 20-25 minutes they were winning 2-0,” Juan reflected in a recent interview with MUTV.

“In the second half it was one of those typical United comebacks but it was a very difficult first half for us. Newcastle showed us that they can be dangerous. They have powerful players in attack, they have Joselu, Ayoze Perez and [Salomon] Rondon, who I know very well.

“I know the manager also, Rafa Benitez, when I had a very good season with him back in the past [at Chelsea]. They will be tough, they are at home, there will be a strong atmosphere at the beginning of a new year but let’s try to play football like we’re doing now. Let’s try to enjoy, let’s try to score more goals than them and come back to Manchester with three points,” he added.

Mata also netted an important brace against Newcastle in March 2014, just two months into his Reds career. His double either side of half-time (which included another sublime free-kick) led United to a 4-0 victory at St James’ Park, and came just a week after he scored his first goal for the club against Aston Villa.

“I remember that David [De Gea] wasn’t playing in that game,” said Mata. “Before the game, I remember we said that if I scored, I am going to run to him and celebrate with him on the bench. It was a good free-kick and I came running towards him, and in the second half I scored again. Those are nice memories from that stadium.”

Wednesday’s trip to Tyneside is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s fourth game as caretaker manager, and Mata says the former United striker has instilled a new belief in the side.

“He’s been very positive since the beginning," declared Juan. "He’s been very encouraging for us to play with confidence and he seems like a very nice man.

"He understands the culture of the club so I think the fans are happy to see him in the stadium and he’s brought this positivity which I think we’re showing on the pitch.”

The game against Newcastle is also our first of 2019, a year Mata believes could be one to remember for the Reds.

“Hopefully 2019 will be even better than 2018 and we can celebrate something with our fans," he said.

“In the Premier League [we will] try to win as many games as we can and let’s see where we are at the end.

“We have the chance to play for the FA Cup which is a very special competition and we have a difficult but nice draw against PSG in the Champions League, so I think there will be moments to enjoy in the next year and hopefully we can give many moments for the fans to cheer, to celebrate and to feel proud of the club."

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