Phil Jones: Juan Mata Arrival Has Lifted Everyone in Manchester United Dressing Room
Manchester United defender Phil Jones has revealed the arrival of Juan Mata to Old Trafford has lifted everyone in the dressing room and in training.
The 25-year-old was signed by the Premier League champions for a club-record transfer fee of £37.1m from Chelsea earlier this month. David Moyes handed the Spaniard his first start as Mata made his debut during United's 2-0 victory over Cardiff City at Old Trafford.
The former Chelsea star played a crucial role in both the goals scored against the Welsh club. Mata's pass to Patrice Evra was key to the build up of first goal headed by Robin van Perise. He registered his first assist as a United player before Ashley Young put the ball into the bottom corner of David Marshall's net.
Despite Mata having just two training sessions with United at the AON Training Centre, Jones believes the signing of the World Cup winning midfielder has already had an impact in the dressing room.
"It makes an impact in the dressing room when you sign a player of that calibre. He is such a talented player on the ball. He has definitely lifted spirits in the dressing room and especially in training," Jones told United's official website.
"We want to impress and show him that we are what we are, that we are one of the best teams to beat. He came in against Cardiff. He has done well and I am sure he will be a huge asset and fantastic player for Manchester United, hopefully for many years to come.
"He sees the pass that sometimes no-one else sees. If he continues to make them, I am sure we will soon be climbing the table," the England international said.
The latest league fixture against Cardiff saw United welcome the return of strike duo of Van Perise and Wayne Rooney from injury. Jones is delighted to have the Dutchman and the England international back in action.
"Of course, but it is no excuse. When you do miss players of that stature you need to find it elsewhere. I think we have done it in certain areas, but not in the areas we would like. We are just delighted to get them back and firing again," Jones added.
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