Juan Mata Comments on Jose Mourinho 'Lies,' Manchester United and More

Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata has stated that suggestions he does not get on with manager Jose Mourinho are “lies.” 

The Spain international has played an active part for the Red Devils this term and was extremely impressive in the recent 4-1 win over champions Leicester City. Mourinho, despite selling Mata when the two linked up at Chelsea, seems keen to give the midfielder a chance, and the player is happy working alongside the illustrious coach.

“Many lies were told about me and Mourinho when he arrived at the club this summer and it bothered me that every day I had to read and listen to rumours that weren't true,” he said, per David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror. “With him I'm fine. You read a lot of comments on Facebook and Twitter, but they just make you laugh.” 

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As noted by McDonnell, there was speculation during the summer that Mata would be moved on after Mourinho arrived. However, he’s started four Premier League games for the Red Devils, contributing two goals and an assist.

These numbers from Squawka Football suggest that Mata has become something of a lucky charm for the United boss:

Mata’s influence extends beyond the goals and assists he produces, too. Operating either as a No. 10 or from the right flank, the former Chelsea man is so adept at finding spaces between the lines, bringing team-mates into play and knitting together attacks.

Of course, there are areas in which Mata comes up short, and these are areas where Mourinho usually demands plenty. Defensively, the playmaker is not the most robust in the way he operates, nor does he possess the dynamism to get back and cover when playing on the wing. 

As noted by sports journalist Musa Okwonga, combining with some illustrious attacking talent, the 28-year-old allows the Red Devils to play in a different way:

Mata said he wants to be at Old Trafford for a while yet, too. “I really want to lift titles at Manchester United, the Premier League is a trophy I have never won, but I believe we can do it with this group,” he said.

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When Mourinho has a full cast of attacking stars to pick from, it’s going to be interesting to see which players the Portuguese uses in the final third. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a particularly fascinating case, as it was expected by many the Armenian would take Mata’s place in the starting XI.

But the results United have had with Mata in the starting lineup speak for themselves. He may not be the flashiest footballer, nor the most spectacular running with the ball. But in terms of technical skill, in-game intelligence and an ability to create space for himself, United don’t have another player that compares to their No. 8.