Mata and Sir Alex claim monthly Premier League awards

06-Nov-2012 7:15:00 PM

The Spanish playmaker has picked up the prize after some fine performances, while the Manchester United boss went unbeaten, including impressive wins over Chelsea and Newcastle

The Premier League have handed their Player and Manager of the Month awards for October to Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson respectively.

The Spaniard collects the award having enjoyed an excellent month of form that saw him net twice in his side's 4-2 victory at White Hart Lane, as well as curling a free-kick past David de Gea in United's visit to Stamford Bridge.

Mata was quick to praise his team-mates upon receiving the award, most notably summer signings Oscar and Eden Hazard, with whom the attacking midfielder has quickly formed an impressive understanding.

"I'm really enjoying [playing alongside them]," Mata told Sky Sports News. "They're players who like to play with the ball, to assist and who have good movement - more or less like me."

Sir Alex, meanwhile, stressed the importance of a solid defence alongside the Reds' more characteristic attacking flair. He spoke of his delight at seeing such resilience return to United's performance in Saturday’s defeat of Arsenal.

"I'm pleased with our attacking play, that's been a feature of our game," the Scot said, upon recieving the award for the 27th time in his career.

"We've had an issue about defending, but in Saturday's win against Arsenal we were back to what I expect of Manchester United defenders."

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