Juan Mata reveals why he is playing better alongside Ander Herrera at Manchester United

Herrera and Mata have scored a total of 15 goals so far this season for Manchester United

Spanish midfield duo Juan Mata and Ander Herrera have been in impeccable form as they lead the Manchester United side upto 3rd place in the final phase of the season.

Ahead of the Manchester derby this weekend, Mata reveals how he has developed a telepathic relationship with Herrera over the past few years. The two Spaniards were a part of the U-21 European Championship squad in 2011 and the friendship has only grown as Herrera joined Mata at United last summer.

"I think it’s because of the relationship we’ve had over the years and because we understand football and life in more or less the same way," Mata told MUTV.

"I think we play well together because we understand each other and sometimes without speaking or looking we know where we're going to pass or where we're going to move on the pitch.

"The first goal at Anfield is a good example of that - he controlled the ball, turned and knew where I was already running to and he put the ball there. Ander is a quality player and I’m very happy he’s here and playing and performing well."

Herrera has scored 7 goals and created another 4 in a stop-start debut season at Old Trafford. Mata on the other hand, has scored 8 and created 4 goals as looks keen to claim a permanent spot in Louis van Gaal's side.