Juan Mata has praised Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney and midfielder Ander Herrera for scoring in the club's play-off victory over Club Brugge which ensured the Red Devils returned to the Champions League after a season-long absence.
Rooney ended his goal drought after getting a hat-trick in United's second-leg game with the Belgian side in midweek while Herrera also featured on the scoresheet to hand Louis van Gaal's side a 4-0 (7-1 aggregate) win in the tie.
After securing their passage back into Europe's premier competition, Mata expressed his delight that the pair scored in the important game.
"He [Herrera] played a very good game and scored a great goal. Obviously we understand each other very well on and off the pitch and I’m very happy as well," the 27-year-old told United's official website.
When then asked about Rooney's hat-trick, Mata replied: "I’m very happy for him because he was training well.
"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."
United will now play PSV Eindhoven - Memphis Depay's former club - Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow in the Champions League group stages after being handed the draw on Thursday evening.
