Juan Mata must earn his place in first-team, says Mourinho

Spanish midfielder scored six goals in 38 Premier League appearances last season


Reuters July 22, 2016
Mata scored six goals in 38 Premier League appearances last season as United finished fifth in the standings. PHOTO: AFP

BENGALURU, INDIA: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said that there is space for Juan Mata at the club, but the Spanish midfielder must fight to break into first-team.

Mourinho was in charge at Chelsea when Mata left Stamford Bridge to join United in January 2014, having won back-to-back Player of the Year awards in his two previous seasons there.

“He’s here and he works hard. He knows that I know he is a good player and he has space in the squad. Until August 31 the market is open for every one of my players who are not happy, but to be fair I think he is [happy],” Mourinho told the BBC.

Manchester United agree world-record fee for Paul Pogba

“I think he is happy and I am not expecting him to ask to leave. I am expecting him to do what he is doing now, which is to fight for a place.

“We have 38 matches in the Premier League, we expect to play a lot of them in the Europa League and domestic cups, so in a squad of 22 players there will be a space for everyone. So, yes, there is a space for Juan,” he added.

Ibrahimovic to miss United’s China tour

Mata scored six goals in 38 Premier League appearances last season as United finished fifth in the standings.

Since his arrival in May, Mourinho has boosted United’s squad by signing defender Eric Bailly, midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and, according to media reports, is chasing midfielder Paul Pogba from Serie A champions Juventus.

The 53-year-old refused to comment on the Frenchman’s possible return to United, but said he has three different choices for his final major transfer.

Mourinho’s first game in charge will be against Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in the International Champions Cup in Shanghai later on Friday.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ