Van Gaal: I've seen Mata play even better!

Louis van Gaal has refused to single Juan Mata out for praise despite the midfielder's starring role in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg on Wednesday.

The Spain international converted a penalty and set up the winner for Chris Smalling as the Red Devils recovered from a Caligiuri goal in the fourth minute to beat the German side in the Champions League group clash.

Despite Mata's decisiveness in the game, Van Gaal was adamant that he is capable of even better and would not praise him highly in his post-match press conference.

"I don't talk about individual performances, but I have seen Mata playing better than he did against Wolfsburg," he told reporters when asked about Mata's performance.

"I can say as a manager that he played very well and agree with you, but I don't agree with you."

The Dutchman was pleased with many aspects of his side's display but feels they must remain grounded as they look to build on their first win of the Champions League campaign.

"In the first half I was very pleased with my team - not the first five mins of course - but when you can do that when you are behind, and create so many open chances, you are unlucky.

"But then we went out for the second half and we continue with our spirit and we created a beautiful goal I think. But after that we were not good anymore and that is remarkable because we have held onto the ball very well in the last five or six matches.

"I think we have given a lot in the first half to come back in the game. The team spirit kept us in the match.

"We have to keep our feet on the ground, and we have to improve a lot to be near the top of Europe. We have beaten Wolfsburg but we have to improve, we know that.

"That's why we are here - to improve ourselves and to win every game. We have won today but it could have been better. We deserved to win because we create many more chances than Wolfsburg today."

The coach was happy with Smalling's display, insisting he did more than score the crucial equaliser.

"Smalling had a very good match, especially defensively. And the way he scored a goal was outstanding, especially for a defender, and especially for him because he has not been doing that so much."