Juan Mata believes Daniel James' superb goal-scoring form for Manchester United will only continue after he scored his third goal in as many starts.
The new United signing from Swansea City has started the season in excellent form and opened the scoring in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Southampton.
And although Saints pegged United back in the second half with a Jannik Vestergaard goal, James' teammate Mata was full of praise for the Welshman. He believes James' pace and direct running will mean he'll keep finding the net.
"(It was a) very good goal, a fantastic finish. He’s a very hard-working player,” Mata told MUTV .
“He gave us a lot on the wing and even in the second half when everyone was a bit tired, he was still sprinting and giving very dangerous crosses.
“(I’m) very happy for him and hopefully he can do it many more times."
Mata has never been a player known for his pace, whereas James' speed is now clear for everyone to see. And the Spaniard said that speed will make life easier for him as the 21-year-old's United career continues.
The 21-year-old has now scored three of United's seven goals this season and is the club's top-scorer with more strikes than forwards Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, who have two each.
“Football is easier right, if you are that quick? He takes advantage of that,” Mata added.
“He goes one against one and it’s very difficult for a defender to take the ball off him. We need to use him even more.”
