Juan Mata has described Manchester United teammate Ander Herrera as a "genius" following his two goals in Saturday's win over Aston Villa.

The summer signing netted a brace at Old Trafford as United boosted their hopes of a top-four finish with a 3-1 victory.

Herrera has been one of the Red Devils' star performers in recent weeks, and Mata believes that his fellow Spaniard deserves to be in the limelight.

"I think this is the first time he scores twice in a game and I'm very happy for him! The truth is he deserves it. He is a genius on and off the pitch and I know how happy he was after the game," he told the club's official website.

United continue their Premier League campaign on April 12 when they host local rivals Manchester City.