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Ole said that Rafael came up to him after the match and asked him to look after Fabio, of course Ole will now the United connection is there.

Lovely.

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Manchester United become first team to win 1,000 points at home in the Premier League.

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Report: United 2 Cardiff 0

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-An...ch-report.aspx

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Watch Cardiff match in full

MUTV will show Manchester United's Barclays Premier League clash against Cardiff City from midnight GMT after the match tonight.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...diff-city.aspx

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The Match: Hot Ash

After the match report, we reflect on the evening's events at Old Trafford.

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-An...er-League.aspx

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Moyes pleased to beat Cardiff

David Moyes declared it a “good night” for Manchester United after watching Tuesday's comfortable 2-0 win over Cardiff City at Old Trafford.



Juan Mata made his full debut and started alongside Robin van Persie, who needed just six minutes to score on his first appearance since 10 December. Ashley Young added another in a second half that saw also Wayne Rooney return from injury.

While speaking to MUTV afterwards, the boss hailed a job well done and outlined the areas where his side can make improvements in the coming weeks and months.

“At 1-0, I was hoping that we would get a second goal earlier and gone on to finish the game off,” Moyes explained. “Even when it was 2-0, I wanted us to get a third goal. But it was good to get the goal early on and we started the game quite well.

“I was hoping for it to be much better, I am hoping for our play to be better but I thought there were some good signs. Obviously, we have got Robin back who is not totally fully fit yet. It was great to have him back. We have got Wayne back and Juan made his debut, so all in all it was a good night.”

Mata took his highly-anticipated bow in a red shirt and cut an impressive figure during his 85 minutes on the pitch, showing off his range of passing in the final third. Moyes was understandably pleased with his new acquisition.

“I thought Juan played very well. He made some terrific passes for us, got us on the ball, gave us a different look at times and he will grow. We will get used to him more as well. I was a bit worried about his overall match fitness but when we got to 2-0, I thought the longer we keep him on the better and we will hopefully get him up to speed quickly.

“He was close to making us a couple of goals in the early part of the game with his passing and I think everybody knows what he is capable of. I think when we are in full flow, when we are playing as well as we can then I think he will be a big help for us all.”

Moyes was also full of praise for opening scorer van Persie, who netted a real poacher’s effort to remind everyone of his immeasurable talents in front of goal.

“Robin scored and we have missed his goals. Out of nothing, he can get you a goal. Antonio should probably have scored with the first header that hit the bar and then they saved the second one before Robin got in. He certainly did that all of last year and we have missed him. We really have.”

Well said DM. Things are hopefully looking up.

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Manchester United ‏@ManUtd

Well done to @JuanMata8 on winning our Man of the Match poll on his debut, with 68 per cent of the votes.

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Mata savours special debut

Juan Mata was delighted with his first appearance in a Manchester United shirt - chiefly because it ended in victory for the Reds.



The Spanish midfielder started Tuesday's match against Cardiff City at Old Trafford, just under 72 hours after completing his club-record transfer from Chelsea. He played 85 minutes - an impressive duration given his recent lack of match practice with his former club - and afterwards thanked the United fans for the rapturous welcome he received.

Mata told MUTV: "I'm so grateful. From the first minute, from the warm-up they [the fans] have been amazing for me. I will just try to give this confidence back on the pitch.

"It was a very special day for me. My first game - my debut - with a victory. It was perfect. I enjoyed it a lot.

"What I love the most is to play. So these minutes [on the pitch] for me are very important. Now I'm going to train and I'm looking forward to playing at the weekend and trying to do my best for the team."

When asked about his contribution to United's 2-0 win, which was sealed with a goal in each half from Robin van Persie and Ashley Young, Mata said: "I tried to play passes for the wingers or the strikers and in the end we scored twice. The most important thing was we won and I felt comfortable with my team-mates."

The colleagues Mata was particularly looking forward to playing with were van Persie and Wayne Rooney, and while he had to be content with being on the pitch with one and then the other, he experienced enough to maintain his almost child-like excitement.

"Robin's early goal shows how good he is," enthused Mata. "And Wayne as well... we are talking about two of the best strikers in the world. It's going to be amazing to play alongside them."

The new arrival accepted that it will take time to properly gel with his new team-mates and surroundings, but the earliest signs are very encouraging.

"I think it will take time but the most important thing is to improve our confidence by winning. Our next game is again like a final for us and we'll try to get the three points again and try to climb the table.

"I'm looking forward to playing at the weekend and trying to do my best for the team."

Quality, what a guy.

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Mata: United feels like home

Juan Mata says he has been caught in a whirlwind since arriving at Manchester United, although the club-record signing admits he already feels at home with the Reds.



The Spaniard moved to Old Trafford on Saturday and was officially unveiled as the club's new no.8 on Monday. His full debut against Cardiff City followed just a day later, capping a remarkable 72 hours for the 25-year-old.

Speaking after Tuesday's 2-0 win over Cardiff City, Mata tried to reflect on his short time at United so far and explained how everybody has welcomed him to the club.

"Time has gone so quickly since I arrived here," Juan told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. "I only trained twice with the team but the welcome was amazing. The lads are really good. There is a great atmosphere. I am very happy and looking forward to the next game.

"The stadium is unbelievable," Juan went on to say. "The fans are so loud, even before the game. It has been an amazing time for me. Even social media has shown me so much. The amount of fans this club has is unbelievable.

"I have felt comfortable at this club from the first minute. The players have made me feel like this. To be honest last week I didn't train that much because of the transfer. I can improve. But I felt okay. I felt good playing alongside these players."

Having recorded a fine 2-0 victory over Cardiff, Mata is keen to maintain that winning feeling and move closer to the Barclays Premier League summit.

"We need to sustain that feeling for sure. I am always positive. If any club can come back and climb the table it is this club. We will try to win as many games as we can to the end of the season, hopefully all of them."

More awesome words from the Special Juan.

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Mata watch: Key moments

ManUtd.com recounts all the key moments in Juan Mata's Manchester United debut against Cardiff City, three days after he made his Ł37.1million move from Chelsea...

http://www.manutd.com/en/NewSignings...ata-debut.aspx

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Boss: Mata brings versatility

David Moyes believes that Juan Mata has increased the competition for places at Manchester United squad, citing the Spaniard's ability to fulfill different roles.



The midfielder made his debut as the Reds ran out 2-0 winners over Cardiff on Tuesday evening, and provided the assist for Ashley Young's second-half strike. Moyes was impressed with Mata's contribution, and says his arrival gives him more options for the remainder of the season.

The manager said: "I can play him in any role. He can play off the left or off the right, which allows me to keep the Rooney-van Persie partnership. I'm quite comfortable with that, and he’s also capable of doing another job like the no.10 role. Wayne has dropped into midfield in some games, so we've got options.

"I know we can use Juan in different positions - I think what he'll do [wherever he plays] is take the ball. We'll get used to him and he'll get used to us. Mata scores goals and creates chances, and you can't get enough of those, especially at Old Trafford.

"Now we've got competition, I can use the players at different times and change them within games if we need to do that. I wanted to see Juan play with Robin and it was good to get him those minutes.

"The crowd gave him a fantastic reception. They saw he was creative in the early part of the game and he probably made our best chances in the first 20 or 30 minutes."

He sure does!

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Moyes demands more

David Moyes has demanded more from his Manchester United side despite a welcome 2-0 victory against Cardiff City.



The boss was delighted to hand Juan Mata his debut against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Bluebirds while Robin van Persie and substitute Wayne Rooney returned from injury. However, he issued a warning that there is still plenty of work to be done at Old Trafford.

"My mood has improved as I know I've got some really good players coming back," he replied, when asked at the post-match press conference if he was feeling more cheerful.

"I still want us to be more convincing. I want to win better and play much better. Don't think, because we've won, I've got a smile on my face and am happy. I'm happy for the points but, for where we want to go and the vision of how I want the team to play, I still think there is a long way to go."

Yes, we can do better and improve.

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Young: Goal one of my best

Ashley Young was delighted to get on the scoresheet during Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City and move closer to his targeted goal tally for the season.



The United winger was a standout performer against the Bluebirds, providing the cross which led to Robin van Persie breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute before netting the winner with a powerful 25-yard effort in the second half at Old Trafford.

Young has now scored three times in his last seven appearances, a fine run of form that has seen the England international catch the eye in recent weeks. Speaking after the final whistle, he was understandably elated with his goal and a good win.

“It ranks up there with my best,” Young told MUTV. “As soon as I struck it, I thought it had a good chance of going in and I think I was celebrating before it hit the back of the net. I’m delighted to get on the scoresheet, but the most important thing was getting the three points and we’ve done that. Of course I should score more. I set myself targets at the start of the season and I’m on the way. Hopefully I can build on that, so we’ll have to wait and see.

“We could have had a few more goals but we set out to get the three points and we’ve done that. We were frustrated that it was only 2-0, we spoke about it after the game and there were more goals to get. We got the victory and felt comfortable, so we’re delighted. We will build on this.”

When quizzed on Young’s sensational strike, manager David Moyes was clearly impressed and heaped praise on the 28-year-old winger, explaining why his attitude and output will him earn a regular starting berth if mixed with consistency.

“Everybody knows that Ash is capable of that and I am pleased for him because he worked hard tonight, there is a lot of competition for places and he is pushing hard to play,” Moyes told MUTV.

“He will do if he keeps coming up with some goals or creating goals. Ash put the cross in for Antonio Valencia to hit the bar which led to Robin van Persie’s goal, so he had an assist in one and scored the other. Well done to him.”

Well done Ash.

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Interviewer: "What was the most difficult thing for you during the match?"

Solskjćr: "Not celebrating when United scored."

OGS is a legend.

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Jones hails Mata impact

Phil Jones says Juan Mata's arrival at Manchester United has lifted everyone at the club.



Mata completed his switch from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford late on Saturday evening and, despite only having trained with his new team-mates for two days, impressed on his debut in the 2-0 win over Cardiff.

Jones is already predicting great things for Mata and says the whole squad has been boosted by his signing.

"It makes an impact in the dressing room when you sign a player of that calibre. He is such a talented player on the ball. He has definitely lifted spirits in the dressing room and especially in training," Jones told ManUtd.com and PA Sport.

"We want to impress and show him that we are what we are, that we are one of the best teams to be at. He came in against Cardiff. He has done well and I am sure he will be a huge asset and fantastic player for Manchester United, hopefully for many years to come. He sees the pass that sometimes no-one else sees. If he continues to make them, I am sure we will soon be climbing the table."

Mata's arrival and successful debut was coupled with the return from injury of both Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. Jones is delighted to see the two strikers back in action and hopes the pair can act as a spur for more positive results in the coming weeks.

"Robin has worked hard to get back. We are delighted to have him, Wazza and Juan now. Bar Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick, we will be at full strength on Saturday [at Stoke] hopefully," added the England international.

When asked if Rooney and van Persie's absence had been a big factor during a disappointing spell of results, Jones replied: "Of course, but it is no excuse. When you do miss players of that stature you need to find it elsewhere. I think we have done it in certain areas but not in the areas we would like. We are just delighted to get them back and firing again.

"It is a game-by-game situation now," he continued. "All we can afford to do is look at Saturday at Stoke. We need to go there and win. Then we need to follow that up. We need to maintain a run."

Indeed Phil!

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Vote for United's January star

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...y-welbeck.aspx

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Neville enthused by duo's return

Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes the return of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie will have a hugely positive effect on the squad.



Both the star strikers made their comebacks from injury in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Cardiff, Rooney replacing opening goalscorer van Persie just after the hour mark.

Neville believes the team’s recent struggles can largely be attributed to the absence of the pair, who haven’t started a match together since the 1-0 victory over Arsenal in November.

And the ex-skipper believes their return, as much as the arrival of Juan Mata, will provide a boost as the Reds seek a run of wins and climb the Barclays Premier League table.

Writing in his ambassador’s column for United Review before the Cardiff game, Neville said: "One of the biggest difficulties has been the absence of our two most clinical, ruthless players in attacking areas, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

"They have played nine times together this season and we won seven of those games and drew two. They give Manchester United a cutting edge and firepower and the concerns that everybody has at the moment will be alleviated once they return.

"They will give confidence to the rest of the squad, and the important thing now is that they dig in and push forward for the rest of the season and try to deliver the level of performance that they’re capable of as players."

Gary Neville is so right.

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Young: You have to impress

Ashley Young is aware the competition for places in the first team at Old Trafford is fierce and says he and his Manchester United team-mates know they must work hard to stay in contention for the starting XI.



Young was on target with a fine low strike in the 2-0 victory over Cardiff City on Tuesday but claims he won't be resting on his laurels as he looks to cement a regular spot in David Moyes' side.

"You have to be on the ball," he told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. "You have to put in big performances every week. We have a big squad and we can rotate the team. When you are playing well, getting goals and assists, you are there in the manager's thoughts.

"We have competition for places and that keeps you on your toes. You want to keep playing well and training well, because that is the only way to keep yourself in the team."

The Reds' attack was further strengthened against the Bluebirds, with Robin van Persie finding the net on his return from injury and record signing Juan Mata making his debut after arriving from Chelsea.

"He is a goalscorer," Young said of van Persie. "You put him in the box and he will score, and he has done that again.

"There will be a lot of talk about Juan's arrival and the fact that we have broken the the transfer record for him, but he looks like he has been here for years. It was his first game but he has gelled straight away with the way we play. He is going to add something special to the squad."

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Gallery: Mata at work

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...uary-2014.aspx

Juan.

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Mata's Father Explains Spaniard's Move From Chelsea to Manchester United

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/matas-fathe...united-1434166

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Manchester United have loaned youngsters Charni Ekangamene and Sam Byrne to Carlisle United until the end of the season.

Tyler Blackett and Tom Thorpe have joined Birmingham City on loan.

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Reds pair join Cardiff

Manchester United duo Fabio and Wilfried Zaha have completed permanent and loan moves to Cardiff City respectively.



David Moyes has allowed Fabio, who has been with the Reds since 2008, to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side for an undisclosed fee after being unable to guarantee him regular football at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian defender told Cardiff's official website: "I’m very excited to be part of this and I’m looking forward to helping Cardiff.

"I know this is the right move for me. I spoke a lot to the manager about coming in and I know that I can help us move up the division."

Zaha, meanwhile, will play for the Bluebirds for the rest of the season and Moyes hopes the winger's temporary move will benefit United next term.

"I said right at the start of the season that if I could get Wilf the games, I'd keep him, but if I couldn't then I’d get him some games on loan," Moyes said.

"There were a few clubs who wanted him on loan but in the end we felt Cardiff was the right choice for him. Hopefully he will go and get those games, show what he can do in the Premier League and be ready to come back to us at the end of the season.

"He has real potential. He did terrifically well at Crystal Palace and that's why the club purchased him. The boy needs to keep his development going. If he can get those games at Cardiff then we can have a look at him in the Premier League and see exactly where he is.

"I couldn’t give him that at the start of the season and in the period I’ve been here so we’ll look at him now and see what he can do."

Farewell Fabio Da Silva, good luck to him at Cardiff and I hope that Wilfried Zaha does well with his loan spell.

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Video: Farewell Fabio

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...in-action.aspx

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Positive news on United injuries

Manchester United manager David Moyes is delighted to have Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie back in the squad, with Marouane Fellaini also expected to return to action soon.



Van Persie had missed 11 matches through injury until starting in Tuesday's win against Cardiff and took only six minutes to get on the scoresheet. He lasted until just beyond the hour mark, when he was replaced by Wayne Rooney, who also returning from a lengthy absence.

"I’ve got them back and it's great to have them," Moyes told journalists on Friday at the Aon Training Complex.

"We're mindful they're both coming back from injuries and we have to make sure they’re ready [before we give them 90 minutes].

"We’re a little bit more concerned about Robin because he’s been out longer; Wayne’s been out for a shorter period. We have to keep managing them and do things right."

Moyes is hopeful van Persie's ruthlessness in front of goal will help turn United's form around.

"I think some of our performances have been quite good [but] we just didn't finish our chances.

"When you want to win you need people like Robin van Persie, who will get you the winning goal. The other night, we started well and Robin got us a goal after six minutes.

"Did I think the performance was better than many of the other games? Actually, no I didn't. What I had was people who could win me the game and get me the goal at the right moments."

Moyes also revealed summer signing Marouane Fellaini was nearing a return, although stressed he wouldn't be fit for United's trip to Stoke on Saturday. The Belgian hasn't played since 4 December after undergoing an operation on his left wrist.

"Felli's on the fringes of things," Moyes said. "We need to get him a bit of match practice but he's very close as well."

Good news.