Juan Mata has told Cadena Ser radio he is relishing playing in his preferred No. 10 role and said he felt Manchester United could return “to where they deserve to be.”
Mata shone in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Premier League Leicester, scoring one goal and setting up another, and hailed summer signings Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for their impact.
United have not won the Premier League since 2012-13 campaign and have failed to finish in the top three in the last three seasons. But Mata believes that could change following the arrivals of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who he said could “return United where it deserves to be.”
He added: “Pogba is a star. He’s also a great person. He’s very positive and he brings a lot of good vibes to the changing room.
“Zlatan is a natural winner. He brings experience and personality to the team. Zlatan and Paul have lifted the level of the team and are helping us win.”
United head into Saturday’s game six points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester City, who have won all six of their league games.
But Mata said: “City have started well and haven’t slipped, but there is a long way to go in a league that is as exciting and intense as the Premier League is.”
He added: “Where I’ve most enjoyed myself in my career is in the No. 10 position, and that is where I’m playing right now. I feel comfortable in that role.”The Spain international added that he was “proud to have an important role at Manchester United.”
His future at United appeared uncertain when the club announced the appointment of Jose Mourinho, under whom he was sold to United by Chelsea, in the summer.
Following Mourinho’s arrival at Old Trafford, reports in England claimed the Portuguese coach wanted to sell Mata again.
But asked whether he was upset by claims he had left Chelsea because of Mourinho, Mata said: “No. Other things bothered me like rumours that circulated in preseason saying that I would depart, that I would be left without a number and that I would have to play for the reserves.
“Rumours were created that were just crazy, and I opted to remain quiet and do the talking on the pitch.
“In my mind I was calm, and I just wanted to give my best for the club as I’ve always done.
“I’m proud that things are going well. Mourinho is happy with me and with the team, and I feel confident.”
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