Juan Mata hailed two-goal Wayne Rooney after Manchester United's win over Newcastle United. The striker worked his magic from a deeper midfield role which he has played on occasion this season and Mata believes it's a position Rooney can continue to thrive in.

"I think he can play there, yes," declared Mata in a post-match interview with MUTV. "He can defend, he can attack, he can pass and he can score goals arriving into the box.

"For us, he is a very important player and I feel privileged to play with such a player as Wazza."