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Juan Mata has lifted the lid on what it’s like to work with Louis van Gaal.

And Spanish midfielder says the Manchester United manager is ‘strict’ and ‘tough’.

Van Gaal has introduced a series of rules since taking charge at Old Trafford last summer, demanding the squad eat meals together and fining players who turn up late.

But despite his hard-line approach, Mata insists he’s enjoying working under the Dutchman.

He told the club website: “He is a tough manager, very strict and always looking at the players in every training session and every game, but he’s also a very good manager.

“He has great experience, a really good and strong character and he always wants to win and play good football.”

MORE: The 20-goal-a-season strikers Van Gaal could target this summer.

Mata was a key part of Van Gaal’s team in the second half of the season as United finished fourth to book their place in the Champions League.

He ended with 10 goals in 35 games in his first full season at Old Trafford. But he’s hoping for better next season.

He added: "I want to keep improving and giving my best to this great club and to try to reach new goals.

"As an offensive player I want to score, assist and give 100 per cent for the team, and as a club I think we need to be fighting for the title because that’s what all the players and fans want.

“I think this season was a big step towards where this club deserves to be.

“We had a new manager with a new philosophy and we brought in new players. Next season we will hopefully play in the Champions League, which is a massive objective for the club, and we’ll be trying to win trophies.”

MORE: Have at look at how the fans rated each United player this season.

Click through the gallery to see United's summer transfer targets in pictures.