Juan Mata thrilled to see Man United captain Wayne Rooney return to form

Juan Mata has spoken of his delight at seeing Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney return to form against Club Brugge on Wednesday evening.

Rooney netted a hat trick in Belgium to see the Red Devils safely through to the Champions League group stages, with a 4-0 victory contributing to an aggregate score of 7-1.

He was looking for a goal, he got three, and he could have scored more. I’m very happy for him. He deserves it

Juan Mata

Spaniard Mata provided the assist for Rooney’s third ten minutes after half-time, and was pleased to see the 29-year-old back on the scoresheet following a difficult start the campaign.

“I’m very happy for him because he was training well,” Mata told United’s website.

“He did what he knows how to do – to score goals and to play for the team, running for the team-mates and it was good that we could give him the assists. He was looking for a goal, he got three, and he could have scored more. I’m very happy for him. He deserves it.”

The England captain has failed to score in the Premier League so far this season, and has been criticised for his ineffective performances since returning to the lone striker role.

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Mata has played all but 30 of United’s competitive minutes so far this season, and the 27-year-old will be crucial in the side’s efforts to up their domestic goal