Spanish play-maker Juan Mata has been one of the players who has been strongly linked with a move away from Manchester United since the arrival of new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese manager is not believed to be a big fan of the 28-year old midfielder. Mata made only 14 appearances under Mourinho at Chelsea, and despite having been the club’s Player of the Year two seasons in row, was sold to Manchester United in January 2014 for £37.1 million.
The Spaniard went on to become a regular for the Red Devils, making 104 appearances under managers David Moyes and Louis van Gaal and scoring 26 goals. He is also a much loved figure in the dressing room and a fan favourite.
The arrival of the two-time Champions League winning manager at Old Trafford sparked strong speculation that Mata may be shown the door. There have been many rumours about his next destination, with Premier League club Everton believed to be in strong contention for his signature.
However, of late there have been reports claiming that Jose Mourinho is willing to accommodate him in his Manchester United squad. Mourinho had reportedly told Mata that he would be used as a squad rotation player, and would play one game in three.
Jose Mourinho recently spoke out about Mata’s future at Manchester United. Mourinho stated that Mata could be useful to the club, and he has no intentions of selling him unless the player himself asks for a move.
“There is space for him. He’s a talented player and I don’t promise places to anyone,” said the Portuguese manager, according to Manchester Evening News.
“I promise respect and I like him. So if he wants to stay and I think he wants – until this moment I don’t have one little sign that he wanted to leave so I think he wants to stay and yes there is space for him and yes I think he can be useful to the club.”
Mourinho also spoke out about Mata’s departure from Chelsea, saying that the Spaniard himself asked for a transfer.
“Nobody in my previous club wanted to sell or push him. No, it was his decision, he was not the first option, but he was playing every game,” he said.
The former Chelsea manager claimed that this, coupled with the fact that they had a good proposal from Man United, was the reason Mata left Stamford Bridge in the winter of 2014.
