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Juan Mata is 'more than happy to help' in his role as mentor to Manchester United's Spanish-speakers.

Despite having only arrived 13 months ago Mata has inherited a senior role quickly at United following a glut of experienced departures in the summer.

Five of Louis van Gaal's seven signings are from Spanish-speaking countries and Mata dutifully translated for Angel di Maria following United's win over Queens Park Rangers in September.

The former Chelsea playmaker was joined by Marcos Rojo at the Swinton High School in Salford on Monday, and while he was not required to translate on this occasion, he insisted he was happy to help.

“I think it’s nice for everyone (to have the new players) because we bring in very good players,” he told the M.E.N.

“If they come from Spain or from some countries where they speak Spanish then I obviously try to help because sometimes they don’t understand everything and I am more than happy to help.”

Mata made a late appearance from the bench in United's defeat to Swansea on Sunday, a result that has seen The Reds slip down to fourth in the Premier League table.

With just four points separating third and seventh, Mata is acutely aware of the importance of Saturday's home game with Sunderland.

Click below to watch a video interview with Juan Mata

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“Obviously every game is important and after losing it’s even more important,” he added.

“We know that we need to win because the race for the four places to play Champions League football is getting tighter and tighter.

“We need to add points - three points.”

The Sunderland match is the first of thee pivotal games in nine days for United, who travel to Newcastle a week on Wednesday before hosting Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final on March 9.

Supporters have been encouraged to bring a 70s flair to the occasion, as United attempt to return to Wembley for a first FA Cup semi-final in four years.

And Mata is hopeful the supporters will be behind him - and the players.

“It’s difficult to express with words what you feel in a football stadium and obviously what you feel in Old Trafford when you are playing at home. From the first day they were amazing to me and obviously, for example, I will never forget the time when I scored my first goal. It was an unbelievable feeling.

“The fans were very good to me from the beginning. They welcomed me very good and support me in the good and not very good moments and I feel that they are behind me.”

The visit was part of a day of activities organised by the Manchester United Foundation, to celebrate their work in schools across Greater Manchester and showcase their projects.

Click below for a gallery of United players visiting Manchester schools on Monday