Juan Mata dedicates Manchester United victory to Sir Bobby Charlton
Monday 4 April 2016 11:52, UK
Juan Mata has dedicated Manchester United's 1-0 victory against Everton to Sir Bobby Charlton.
United honoured the Old Trafford great on Sunday, with the South Stand renamed the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand just before kick-off.
It had looked like a frustrating United display may overshadow the tributes, only for Anthony Martial's second-half strike to lift the mood and secure a win that keeps their Champions League chase on track.
"This Sunday's game was special because of Sir Bobby Charlton," midfielder Mata said.
"Ever since I arrived at this club I felt his support, and he gives you a calmness and positivity that are worthy of a great legend.
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"He is a reference, someone who has proved with facts that you should never surrender; that, if you fight, you can get as far as you want no matter the obstacles that stand before you.
"In short, he represents all the values that define this club, and both in the past and the present he still is the ideal ambassador of what being a Red Devil means.
"One side of his Theatre of Dreams already bears his name, and reminds us players about his greatness when we step onto the pitch.
"Things like these make you realise, once again, how special this club is. Sir Bobby Charlton, no doubt, is a leading example to all of us.
"The game against Everton was neither easy nor spectacular, but I think we worked hard to win. Besides, we wanted to dedicate the three points to Sir Bobby, obviously!"
The victory moved United up to fifth in the table and within a point of neighbours Manchester City in the final Champions League berth.
"These three points against such a good team as Everton make us face the last stint of the season with energy and optimism," Mata said.
"Right now, we know that there are seven games remaining - apart from the FA Cup - and our only goal is to get as many points as possible. And then, the table will say where we stand.
"The next game against Tottenham is a big challenge and a great opportunity to show that we will certainly fight until the end in this month and a half."
