Rio Ferdinand has praised the role played by Juan Mata as Daniel James fired Manchester United into a half-time lead against Southampton.

The home side had dominated the opening exchanges at the St Mary's Stadium but James took advantage of some slack defending to power home his third goal of the season after ten minutes.

Mata had been drafted into the starting line-up to replace Jesse Lingard after his inconsistent start to the campaign and Ferdinand was impressed with the role the Spaniard played in the goal.


Speaking on BT Sport, the former United defender exclaimed: “What a ridiculous strike, the power he got into it!

"That run from Mata allows that strike from Dan James because he takes Cedric away, gives him that little yard to shift the ball and unleash an absolute rifle into that top corner.

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“Do not underestimate that run from Juan Mata, that is an unselfish run because he knows he’s not going to get the ball but knows what he can do to affect the defender’s mind.”