Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has dedicated the Red Devils' 3-2 victory against Southampton to his injured teammate Luke Shaw.
The 20-year-old suffered a double leg break during United's defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last week and is facing several months on the sidelines as a result.
The England international has undergone two operations during the early stages of his recovery and Mata was delighted to be able to put a smile, albeit a temporary one, on his friend's face.
"It was an important and very special win," Mata told Kicca. "Everybody knows that last Tuesday was a bad day for us. Because of the defeat but, especially, because of Luke Shaw’s terribly serious injury.
"He was very unlucky and suffered a double fracture of his right leg; all of us felt his pain.
"That’s why we wanted to dedicate a victory to him as soon as possible, to make him feel happy, at least momentarily, and it came this very Sunday.
"I’m sure he will be back stronger, and he will work hard to be with us soon. He was having a great start this season, helping us a lot. All our support to you, my friend, you know we are here with you!"
Anthony Martial secured the headlines on the South Cost with a brace, courtesy of two composed finishes, but Mata was also on target as United moved up to second place in the Premier League table.
Louis van Gaal could face a selection dilemma due to Shaw's untimely injury. The youngster endured an indifferent start to his career at Old Trafford but had managed to force his way into the starting line up in the ealry stages of the season.
The Dutch manager fielded Marcos Rojo on the flank against the Saints but no longer has a specialist left back to call upon due to Shaw's absence.
