Juan Mata: Antonio is a beast.

Juan Mata was full of praise for Antonio Valencia after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.

The Ecuador international was named as the club’s man of the match after producing an impressive display against the Gunners at Old Trafford.

Valencia made a swift return from injury to be thrown straight back into the starting line-up against the north London side.

And Mata had nothing but positive things to say about Valencia after the final whistle.

Speaking in an interview with United’s website, Mata said of Valencia: “He is a beast. He is a great player and very important for us, defending and going forward. He gives us a lot on the right flank.”

Manchester United took the lead against Arsenal when Mata drilled home a low shot in the 68th minute.

However, the Gunners fought back and equalised right at the death when Olivier Giroud came off the bench to head home

Manchester United will now turn their attentions back towards Europa League affairs and their crunch clash with Feyenoord at Old Trafford on Thursday night.