I like playing up front with Alexis Sanchez ―Mata

Juan Mata admits he has relished his different role as a support striker during Manchester United’s pre-season matches in the United States.

The experienced Spaniard has started up front with Alexis Sanchez in the two previous games against AC Milan and Liverpool.

It’s a position that Juan could continue to occupy when Jose Mourinho’s Reds conclude Tour 2018, presented by AON, against European champions Real Madrid in Miami on Wednesday.

Juan Mata spoke to MUTV before the squad trained in Miami on Monday.

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“It’s a different shape,”” Mata told MUTV before the squad trained in Miami on Monday. ““I think the manager is trying to fit all the first-team squad players into the first XI and I’ve felt okay.”

“It’s a system that I think is very difficult to play against and in the last two games I was playing with Alexis up front. I used to play as a striker when I was a kid in the Real Madrid Academy and I like to be in the box, so it’s fine.”

“It’s been a few years since I’ve played there but I think once you’ve played in there you pick up the components and you still have them. Now I just try to play that position and try to score.”