When Manchester United purchased Juan Mata from Chelsea, many thought that the move signaled the end of Wayne Rooney's tenure with the team. However, Mata has announced that the one thing he looks forward to most as a member of United is playing alongside Rooney.

"I can't wait to play alongside him [Rooney]. For me, he is one of the best players in the history of this country," said Mata, according to ESPN. "He is unbelievable: he is a striker who can score, can assist and can come to the midfield to take the ball and move so I think I will enjoy playing alongside him.

"I will try to connect with him as best as I can to try and find the gaps between the rival defenses because I was doing this the last season. That is my best kind of play, to be in the position I have to be in to assist the strikers."

Rooney has nine goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season and has been the top player for United. His usual position is behind the striker, a position that Mata also occupied for most of his career. It is likely that the Spaniard will be placed on the wing, but the midfielder did not reveal where he thought he would play.

"That is a question for him," said Mata about his position. "I would like to play anywhere, I would like to try my best to assist and score. I will try my best to improve as a player, to grow and to help the team as much as I can."