Juan Mata: 'Beating Crystal Palace gives Manchester United team confidence'

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has insisted that the team have been given a confidence boost by their victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

The Red Devils have moved to sixth in the Premier League table following their 2-0 win over Palace, but remain 11 points behind a Champions League spot.

"These three points gave us a lot of confidence," Mata wrote in his weekly blog. "I think the team was solid and it was a clear victory.

"Me, personally, after five games with the team I feel there is more and more understanding with my teammates on the pitch. The truth is, with a squad of such quality everything is easier."

United will switch their attention to the Champions League tomorrow when they take on Olympiacos in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie in Greece.

Mata is not eligible to play for United in Europe after featuring for Chelsea in the competition before making a January switch to Old Trafford.