The Spaniard has often be deployed from the right by Jose Mourinho this season.
While the 29-year-old is happy to play wherever for United, he insists a more central role suits him better.
Mata said: “Let’s say offensive midfielder. But, obviously, I am playing more now on the right-wing, when I try to come inside and create space for my team-mates, and with the overlaps of Matteo [Darmian], Antonio [Valencia] or Ashley [Young], it makes things easier for me.
"And you know, it’s this kind of freedom that allows me to be in touch with the ball, that’s where I feel comfortable.
“As much time as I have the ball, I feel better and I feel that my game grows and that’s what I try to do.
“I consider myself as this kind of attacking midfielder, trying to find the gaps between the opposition midfielders and defenders and produce what the team needs between the lines."
Mata bagged his first goal of the season in United’s 4-0 win over Crystal Palace before the international break.
Last season, the diminutive midfielder netted just once in the league but did provide an impressive eight assists.
Asked if assisting a goal was as rewarding as scoring one himself, Mata added: "No, and I think whoever says that is lying to you.
"The most important and the better feeling in football, for me, is scoring a goal.
“Obviously, when you’ve made a great assist and you’ve put your striker just in front of the goal to put the ball in the net is a great feeling, but obviously the best feeling is to score yourself."
