Juan Mata rules out Man Utd exit under Jose Mourinho

The Manchester United midfielder says he feels loved working under Jose Mourinho.

Juan Mata has revealed that he has never discussed a possible Manchester United exit with Jose Mourinho.

The Spain international was tipped to leave the Red Devils in the summer following Mourinho’s appointment as Louis van Gaal’s successor at Old Trafford.

The new Manchester United manager sold Mata to the 20-time English champions in a £37.1m deal from Chelsea in 2013 during the Portuguese coach’s second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

However, the 28-year-old has been a regular in Mourinho’s first-team and has scored two goals in eight Premier League appearances in a difficult 2016-17 season for the Red Devils so far.

Speaking to talk SPORT about his future at Manchester United, Mata insisted that he is “feeling loved” working under Mourinho despite their past at Chelsea.

“Obviously people want to know what is happening inside football or try to imagine what is happening inside but most of the time what happens inside is more normal than people think.

“Sometimes it is not even a conversation. It is training and training and training, playing and speaking through football, speaking through the ball, and I like that.

“When you are outside and you try to know what is going on your mind is endless.

“I don’t know what he Mourinho thought, but I did what I always did. Not just here in Manchester but during my career, and all footballers’ careers, there are always rumours and you have to do your job. I did mine and I am trying to do mine the best I can.

“I was and am very happy in the team. I feel important in the team and that is it. I feel loved from the fans and the rest is speculation.”

Manchester United are in sixth place in the Premier League table and eight points behind leaders Liverpool.

The Red Devils will host bitter rivals Arsenal in their next top-flight fixture at Old Trafford on Saturday 19 November.

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How Manchester United celebrated their EFL Cup victory over Northampton

Jose Mourinho's side ended a run of three defeats on the bounce as they survived a scare at the City Ground to win 3-1

Manchester United's Spanish-speaking quartet Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero celebrated their victory over Northampton by playing an iPad game on the coach home after the match.

Herrera, who scored his first goal of the season to put United 2-1 up at the City Ground, shared a video on Instagram of the group socialising around a table on the team coach.

United's Spanish-speaking players are known to be quite close knit, with Mata and Herrera in particular close friends.

Rojo had earlier posted an Instagram Story of Herrera speaking to MUTV after the game.

Herrera scored the winner at Northampton on Wednesday night, while Romero kept goal for the first time this season and Rojo started for the second time in a week at left-back. Mata remained on the bench as Jose Mourinho turned to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellaini to win the game.

Michael Carrick scored United's opener at Northampton

Ander Herrera netted United's second to put them 2-1 up

Marcus Rashford rounded off the scoring following a goalkeeping error

Midfielder Herrera admitted he had to rein in his enthusiasm after he scored, mindful of his yellow card for celebrating with supporters at Yeovil last year.

"I have to control myself a little bit more because the last time I got a yellow card and another time I got a yellow card as well, so this time I stayed a little bit calmer," Herrera said. "But I cannot lie, I love to score in front of them!

"I know my role and I know I am a midfielder, but when you want to make steps in your development then you have to score goals.

"I tried to do that and I shot before but the post didn’t allow me to score. Finally I scored and I am happy, but overall after a terrible week we got the victory and now we can face Leicester in a better way."

Manchester United transfer news: Jose Mourinho monitors trio of defenders as Paul Pogba saga continues

The latest news, rumours and speculation surrounding the Old Trafford side.

Jose Mourinho is not just looking to reinforce his attacking prospects at Manchester United as they enter the final week of their pre-season.

With the Community Shield curtain-raiser against Leicester City taking place at Wembley next Sunday, the Portuguese is monitoring three defenders, as doubts persist over the capabilities of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling to convince, and stay fit, for a whole campaign. 

Eric Bailly has already arrived from Villarreal for £30m to shore up the backline, which, although credited with the joint best record in the Premier League last season, has not entirely convinced and lacks star quality in front of David de Gea.

With £16m-rated Brazilian Fabinho again linked with the club by The Sunday Times, the paper also report Mourinho as being after a centre-back and right-back, with the likes of Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson told they can leave on loan.

Ezequiel Garay of Zenit St Petersburg, was linked with United under Louis van Gaal and continues to be monitored, while Southampton's Jose Fonte and Euro 2016 star Leonardo Bonucci, of Juventus, are also on Mourinho's radar. The latter could cost as much as £60m, while European champion Jose Fonte, who lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy with Portugal in July, would represent a cheaper option - and has Premier League experience.

To make room for the new arrivals Mourinho is prepared to let a number of defenders leave - both permanently and on loan. Matteo Darmian struggled to follow up on an impressive start to his first year in England and is attracting interest back in Italy from Roma, while Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo are also not in Jose's plans.

Southampton centre-back Jose Fonte has also interested new Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho (Getty)

Midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj could also be on their way out of Old Trafford shortly with Mourinho keen to trim his squad.

Januzaj has made up his mind to leave the club, according to the Mail, while the Sunday People link the winger, along with Belgian colleague Marouane Fellaini, with a move to Sunderland and former manager David Moyes.

The Manchester Evening News also say Bastian Schweinsteiger has been encouraged to look elswehere for first-team action, although the Daily Star claim he could stay and try to win a place under Mourinho. Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes his compatriot, 31, will remain at the club. “I am 100 per cent convinced that Schweinsteiger will not return to Germany,” Rummenigge said of the player, who was left out of Saturday's friendly win over Galatasaray in Sweden..

“I can see him staying at Manchester United and try to achieve their goals under a new coach. Maybe he could surprise Mourinho.”

Paul Pogba is due back from his post-Euro 2016 holiday early in the week when he is expected to finally complete the formatlities on his world record £112m move back to Old Trafford. Fellow French midfielder Dimitri Payet has also been linked with the club by France Football over the weekend.

The Sun on Sunday also claim that United are keeping tabs on Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, although a move appears unlikely at best.

Juan Mata knows he faces battle to save Manchester United career

Man Utd midfielder has already been sold once by new Man Utd midfielder Jose Mourinho.

Like the rest of the Manchester United squad, Juan Mata received a message from Jose Mourinho shortly after his appointment as Louis van Gaal’s successor.

The Spaniard will get a chance to impress his new manager when he returns to Carrington next month ahead of the pre-season tour of China. But he is still facing a battle.

The implications of the Portuguese coach’s arrival are obvious. Mourinho axed Mata once and could, conceivably, do it again.

Some friends have taken to avoiding the subject all together knowing they won’t be able to add anything the Spaniard hasn’t already thought privately.

A professional footballer for the best part of 10 years, Mata will know that it is very hard to change a manager’s mind once it is made up.

Mourinho sold Mata to United in 2014.

At Chelsea, Mourinho decided Oscar was the better No.10 and that a wide role in the front three wasn’t suitable.

It is not that Mourinho thought Mata a poor player. He is a World and European champion, after all.

It was just that circumstances dictated he would be second choice and when United made a £37.1m offer in January 2014, it was considered a good deal.

It should give Mata as much hope as it does the odd sleepless night.

Mata scored in the FA Cup final in May.

The 28-year-old has spent much of his two-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford playing out wide – the position Mourinho decided he wasn’t suited to at Stamford Bridge.

But, then, Mata, who has already been linked with move to Barcelona, Valencia, Juventus and Everton, has always seen himself as a No.10, anyway. And the competition with Oscar is now gone.

It does, though, put him in direct competition with Wayne Rooney.

It is likely United will announce the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic sooner rather than later.

Ibrahimovic is expected to become a United player.

He won’t move to United to sit on the bench. And with Mourinho preferring to play with one striker, it means Rooney playing in the hole behind Ibrahimovic or in midfield.

Mourinho’s desire to have Borussia Dortmund midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan in his squad is a further complication.

How do you fit Rooney, Mata, Ibrahimovic, Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial into something resembling 4-3-3? The answer is, you probably don’t.

Mata never burnt his bridges with his former manager.

He will be back at Carrington next month.

While Mourinho was explaining why he had sold Chelsea’s two-time Player of the Year, it would have been easy to bite back. But he didn’t. He’s not that type.

It means he will be welcomed back for pre-season training and, barring unforeseen circumstances, will be on the plane to China for games against Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.

But that will only be the start of the battle.

Popular in the dressing room, with the staff and with the fans, he has still got one person to win over. His career at United depends on it.

Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata Rumours

Manchester United's dismissal of manager Louis van Gaal and the expected hiring of Jose Mourinho as his replacement could trigger a potential move for Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, as the future of Juan Mata hangs in the balance.

Adam Crafton of the Daily Mail reported the self-proclaimed Special One is keen to take Matic from Stamford Bridge as he attempts to strengthen United's core. The Blues will want "more than £25 million" for their powerful midfielder, should Mourinho be quickly appointed at Old Trafford and start to splash the cash in the marketplace.

Spain international Mata is reportedly willing to bury the hatchet withMourinho in order to remain at United and wishes to discuss his future with his former Chelsea coach, per Crafton. Mourinho sold the player to United for £37 million in 2014, with sources claiming Mata believes he can work with the Portuguese icon again.

Mata scored as United beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on Saturday, in what turned out to be Van Gaal's last game in charge of the Red Devils.

The crucial goal hauled United back into the game in the final minutes and was shared by the club's official Twitter:

Treble winner and United legend Peter Schmeichel believes the arrival of Mourinho could "save" the club as they push to move forward with a new coach, per BBC Radio 5 Live.

"The club has moved backwards in terms of its philosophy and traditions, "said the former stopper. "I have to praise the owners and the leadership of the club to make this decision."

As Mourinho suffered at Chelsea last term, Matic witnessed a fluctuating season of indifferent and concerning form.

The 27-year-old defensive talent only started 28 times in the Premier League in 2015-16, according to WhoScored.com, as he struggled to recover his best performances.

Before Matic could find his standard, Mourinho was shown the exit door at Stamford Bridge, but the pair could be reunited at the Theatre of Dreams if the coach wants his former player.

After the way Mata departed Chelsea, it is difficult to comprehend thatMourinho would want him at United. The talented attacking midfielder has been hit or miss since joining from the west Londoners and would struggle to start in a team driven by Mourinho's defensive energy.

Crafton also commented on the exit of Van Gaal, as United look toward a brand new era under a manager once despised by their supporters:

The arrival of Mourinho is essential for United; he will attract the necessary talent the team needs and will endeavour to score the goals that the faithful crave.

Mourinho's sides have always defended in numbers, but they have a work ethic that United supporters appreciate.

Red Devils fans have never wanted their side to defend less, but they demand to be entertained in the final third of the pitch, and this is where Van Gaal failed completely.

Mourinho is a winner, and he understands the Premier League better than most. If he does turn up at Carrington in the coming days, the future will look much brighter than it did on the last day of the season for the north-west giants.

Juan Mata: ‘All we think about right now’ is Manchester United qualifying for Champions League

Manchester United and Crystal Palace face a possible dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final when they meet in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The two sides have avoided each other in the semi-final draw with United facing Everton and Palace playing Watford in the last-four ties at Wembley this coming weekend.

Victory in the Premier League fixture may therefore come as a psychological bonus ahead of a potential FA Cup final reunion on May 21.

It’s inevitable both sides will have their thoughts on the cup, Palace having never done better than a place in the final in 1990 – when they lost to United – and the Old Trafford club not having added to their 11 successes in the competition since 2004.

But United are also desperate for a league win to keep alive their hopes of a top-four finish and qualification for next season’s Champions League.

United are currently four points behind both Manchester City and Arsenal in the race for fourth spot with five games to go and time running out.

Manger Louis van Gaal, whose position appears to be increasingly vulnerable with former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho reported to be lined up as his replacement after the end of the season, has no margin for error.

The Dutchman’s side have won three of their last four league games – as well as an FA Cup quarter-final replay at West Ham United.

United midfielder Juan Mata has no problem fighting on two fronts, with the Spaniard saying: “We want to be lifting this historic trophy. In this complex season we have managed to advance in the FA Cup and now we are very excited.

“However, before Everton and the FA Cup we have to focus on the Premier League game against Crystal Palace.

“Our goal is to play in the Champions League the next season and all we think about right now is to win every single game.

“We are in good spirits ahead of these two games after the win against Aston Villa. The last week was very positive for us and it should help the team to gather momentum for the last few games."

United, who unconvincingly beat relegated Villa 1-0 last Saturday, could have midfielders Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera back as Van Gaal balances his resources ahead of the cup semi-final.

Palace haven’t won a league match at Old Trafford since 1989 but can look forward to Wednesday’s fixture with growing confidence after a 1-1 draw at Arsenal extended their current unbeaten run to four games.

Much of the pressure that had built up around the London club has been lifted at exactly the right time with the semi-final looming four days after the Palace’s trip to Manchester

“Our momentum is great," said Palace centre-back Damien Delaney. “Hopefully the point at Arsenal puts relegation to bed, especially with our goal difference as well.

“Now we can have a nice week in the run up to the FA Cup semi-final. Obviously we’ve got Manchester United on Wednesday but the most important thing for us was the league and we could focus on everything else after that."

Scott Dann, Delaney’s central defensive partner, suffered a foot injury against Arsenal and is expected to be rested along with a number of other senior players with the semi-final in mind.

“We’ve got a big week coming up so we just need to rest up, there’s a few people with knocks but we’ve got to go to Manchester United on Wednesday and hopefully we can get a good result," said Dann.

Juan Mata would enjoy playing with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Man Utd

Juan Mata says he would welcome the arrival of Paris St-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United.

With his contract set to expire in the summer, speculation has continued to mount over Ibrahimovic's future, with United among a number of clubs reportedly interested in his services.

The 34-year-old has won titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France, but is yet to test himself in the Premier League.

"I don't know what he is going to do, whether he is going to stay there or not," Mata told Sky Sports. "Maybe he will try a new chapter in his long career.

"He is probably the best in Sweden's history for what he represents. He has played in so many countries and leagues and won trophies everywhere. That speaks about his quality as a player and his importance for PSG and in the national team where he is a captain.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is out of contact in the summer

"He is a very good player and I like to play with very good players. Every player would be happy to play with him."

Mata, who is currently on international duty with Spain as they prepare for friendlies against Italy and Romania, set up the winner on Sunday as United beat Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad.

The victory enhances United's hopes of finishing in the top four, moving them just a point behind City with eight games to play.

"We have had difficult moments this season," says Mata. "We had some periods when we didn't play as well as we could, but the most important thing is the team and hopefully we can finish this season with a trophy.

"Louis [Van Gaal] is an experienced manager who has won a lot of trophies with former teams. He has his philosophy, his way of understanding football and as players we try to adapt ourselves and do our best on the best in training and in games. Hopefully he can lift a trophy with Manchester United."

Marcus Rashford continued his impressive start to his United career by scoring the only goal of the game against City.

And Mata was full of praise for the 18-year-old and also Anthony Martial: "They are very good and can become even better. Both are under 20 and have great qualities; fast, have goals in their pockets.

Marcus Rashford celebrates his winner against City

"For us they are very important. In the last few games, Marcus has been scoring and Anthony has been one of our key players through the season. I feel very happy playing alongside them because I can play those passes and they can finish."

Reflecting on his own form this campaign, Mata said: "I am happy with the number of games I have played. I've played almost every game. I have scored some goals and assisted others.

"We have had some difficult moments in the season, it's true. We had some periods where we didn't play as well as we could. But overall I am happy because I haven't been injured.

"The most important thing is the group and the team and hopefully we can finish the season by winning a trophy, which will be great for us."

Manchester United's Juan Mata would welcome Zlatan Ibrahimovic deal

Juan Mata has said he would be happy to play alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United if the striker decides to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Ibrahimovic, 34, is out of contract at the end of the season and recently said that, as things stand, he will be leaving the Parc des Princes. 

The Sweden international has been linked with a move to United amid suggestions of a potential reunion with his former Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho, and Mata said the striker would be a big asset.

Mata told Sky Sports: "Obviously he is a very good player and I like to play with very good players. I don't decide that. He decides that and the club decides that, but I think every player will be happy to play with him.

"I don't know what he is going to do. I don't know if he is going to finish his contract or not at the end of the season with PSG and if he is going to stay there or not. Maybe he tries a new chapter in his long career, which is probably the best in the history of Swedish football."

Ibrahimovic, who has won 111 caps for Sweden, started his career at Malmo then moved on to Ajax, Inter, Juventus, Barcelona, AC Milan and PSG, where he recently helped the club to a fourth successive title.

He has also been part of title-winning sides in the Eredivisie, Serie A and La Liga.

Mata said: "He was in so many countries, he was in so many different leagues, and he was winning trophies everywhere, so that speaks about his quality as a player. It is shown in his importance right now in PSG and in his national team, where he is the captain."