Juan Mata: Mourinho losing does not give me any pleasure

Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has been backed to remain a key player for club and country by team-mate Juan Mata.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed a record-breaking start to the season, but becoming England’s all-time top scorer has not failed to take attention away from a clutch of underwhelming displays.

The 27-year-old striker has found the net twice in the league in 10 appearances, and scored once in the Champions League, taking his goal tally to four in 14 games this season in all competitions.

“When we speak about Rooney we speak about the captain of my team and of England”. He’s scored more goals than anyone in the English national team and at United.

He said: “It’s different because gone are the players who won everything and in have come a few younger players”.

In 2015/16, Mata has been one of United’s most influential players, as Louis van Gaal’s side sit fourth in the Premier League table.

Mata told a news conference on Thursday: “Right now we’re in the same team, Spain, and we want him to score goals”.

As England prepare to face Spain in a friendly on Friday, which Rooney will be rested for, Mata called for the 30-year-old to be given more respect for his achievements.

“Tomorrow’s match will be a tough test for us and for them to see what level they’re at”.

Vicente Del Bosque was asked to comment on Costa’s poor form for Chelsea as well.

Koke said: “He’s really happy to play for Spain and we only need to be patient with him and he’ll get the luck he’s been missing this season”. “This year Chelsea aren’t working well at the moment and this is happening”.