Tuesday 23 February 2016 11:48, UK
Juan Mata has revealed that his FA Cup free-kick at Shrewsbury was inspired by Manchester United's Europa League opponents FC Midtjylland.
The Spain international scored in Monday night's 3-0 win at the New Meadow as United booked a quarter-final tie with West Ham.
The routine saw three United players run towards him from offside positions, distracting goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler and allowing Mata to curl in from 20 yards.
And Mata revealed he took the idea from Midtjylland, who United play again in the Europa League on Thursday, looking to turn around a 2-1 first-leg deficit in the round of 32.
"We did it in Denmark. We tried it because it was something Midtjylland did," said Mata.
"It was the referees' decision and they said it was not offside because they said as soon as I kicked the ball, they come to be level with the defenders.
"In this match, it was good because I think the goalkeeper reacted late to the ball and he couldn't save it."
Goals from Mata, Chris Smalling and Jesse Lingard ensured United boss Louis van Gaal avoided a shock against the Sky Bet League 1 side, as they search for a first FA Cup triumph since 2004.
"I think it's a very special competition to play in," Mata added.
"There is a lot of history and many difficult games against sides like this one and I think we did well from the beginning and that was key.
"There were a few tactical things we worked on. We knew they would play five at the back, but the most important thing in these types of games is the attitude and if you are ready for the battle, you mostly win and we did that.
"I tried to find the spaces with the ball and I think we played quicker, we played more forward and we had more chances to score but the most important thing is a clean sheet and we now need to build up for the next game."
Manchester United's sixth-round tie at home to West Ham will take place on the weekend of March 12/13.
