Juan Mata has praised his Manchester United teammates for their performance in their 3-1 victory over Derby County tonight.

Goals from Wayne Rooney, Daley Blind and Mata helped Louis van Gaal's side to overcome their Championship opponents at the iPro and ensure their progression into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

"It was really important for us," Mata, who was back in the starting lineup for the first time in four games, told BBC Sport. "It's not easy to come here to Derby.

"Even though they are not in the Premier League they are a good team, they press, they are physically very strong and I think we did a good job today. We came here to play football. We played much quicker than in the last games [and had] more chances to score, and I think it was at the end of the day a very good performance."

Asked if United could now go all the way and win the trophy for the first time since 2004, Mata added: "Step by step. I know it's been a few years, the last time Manchester United won it, but I think we have to focus on each round. Today we did our job and we look forward to the next game."

United are back in league action on Tuesday night when they welcome Stoke City to Old Trafford.