Juan Mata
Juan Mata scored during Manchester United's 4-0 win over QPR Reuters

Juan Mata believes Manchester United's impressive 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday 14 September was a turning point in Louis van Gaal's era at Old Trafford.

After securing just two points from the first three Premier League games, the Dutch manager secured his first win since taking over in the summer.

United produced a sensational display to thrash QPR, with Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera scoring their first goals for the club, while Wayne Rooney and Mata also scored.

"On the pitch, we could exhibit the team's potential and we enjoyed our game, and I also have to thank our fans for always being there, for their trust and support," Mata wrote on his official website.

"Beating QPR is only one game, that's pretty clear to me, but I also hope it is going to start a good streak that will take us far, to the place where we want to be."

But Mata believes United's new summer signings still need time to settle.

"In the last few weeks I have been telling you that we are working very well in the training sessions. With so many new players and a new football style, we need time to adjust to each other," he said

"It takes time to bear fruit but I knew that was going to happen. We keep working on it and a victory like this one against QPR comes to show that we are on the right path."

Van Gaal replaced his five-man defence for a 4-4-2 diamond, with Mata being deployed in his favourite position as a number 10, while Di Maria and Ander Herrrera took on roles on the flanks.

"Personally, playing alongside guys like [Daley] Blind, [Marcos] Rojo or [Radamel] Falcao is a joy. They will become more and more adjusted to the team and their quality will help us a lot. We have been working together for a few days now, getting to know each other, and I'm sure we will be a better team as weeks go by."

Meanwhile, the Spanish maestro lavished praise on former Real Madrid star Di Maria after the Argentine was named man of the match, after scoring one goal and providing the assist for Mata to make the score 4-0.

"As regards to Di María, it seems he's been with us for a long time," Mata said. "Angel is a very enthusiastic guy, a great signing. After the game, I gave to him the MVP trophy and improvised as his translator for the TV. He looks happy and that makes us happy as well."