Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has praised the influence of Juan Mata in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Mata won and converted a penalty in the 34th minute, before assisting Chris Smalling's winner with a sublime back heel in the 53rd minute to help engineer United's come from behind win.

Working as a pundit on Soccer Special, Le Tissier applauded Mata's impressive performance.

"I thought Juan Mata was excellent all night. He looked a threat coming in from that right-hand side onto his stronger left foot and creating chances. He was probably the difference," Le Tissier said on Sky Sports.

"It was his brilliant flick that created the second goal for Chris Smalling. It was a fantastic bit of skill.

"The ball came to him at a really awkward height and he managed to get his leg up, flick it with the outside of his boot, and lob it beautifully over the Wolfsburg defence for Smalling, who guided it into the corner."