Juan Mata: Wayne Rooney is one of England's best players in history

Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney compete for the ball

New Manchester United signing Juan Mata has revealed that he is looking forward to establishing a partnership with his new teammate Wayne Rooney, labelling the England forward as one of the best players that England has ever produced. Mata was officially unveiled as a United player today and says that he believes that he and Rooney will strike up a promising partnership.

“I cannot wait to play alongside him. For me he is one of the best players in the history of this country,” said Mata.

“He is unbelievable. He is a striker who can score, assist, who can come to the midfielder to take the ball and try to move, so I think I will enjoy a lot (playing) alongside him.”

“For me he is an unbelievable player and I will try to connect with him as much as I can.”

“I will try to find the gaps between the rival defences because that is what I used to do.”

“I did this last season and I think that is my best kind of playing (position). I will try to be in the position I have to be to try and assist the strikers.”

Between them, Mata and Rooney have created 70 chances in the Premier League this season.

Mata relishes @WayneRooney link-up. “He's one of the best players in this country's history. I'll try to connect with him as much as I can."

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 27, 2014