Tag: Mata

  • ‘Cavani will bring a lot of goals to Man Utd’ – Mata

    ‘Cavani will bring a lot of goals to Man Utd’ – Mata

    Edinson Cavani is set to “bring a lot of goals” to Manchester United, Juan Mata has predicted, with a “humble” striker expected to maintain the standards in England that he has set across a distinguished career to date.

    The Red Devils moved to snap up the experienced Uruguay international as a free agent over the summer.

    Eyebrows were raised when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer landed the 33-year-old former Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain star, with United considered to be in need of a long-term option in their striking department.

    Cavani has, however, shown that he has lost none of his predatory instincts, with three goals recorded in the Premier League so far – including a match-winning brace at Southampton.

    Mata claims to have never been in any doubt that the proven performer would make a positive impact at Old Trafford, with former United midfielder Ander Herrera – who is now at PSG – telling his fellow Spaniard all about the qualities that the prolific marksman would add to the fold.

    “Ander, who played with him at PSG, called me and told me: ‘I think Edinson is going to go to your club, you will see he’s a top guy, a top professional. And I know you will help him’,” Mata told L’Equipe.

    “So since Edinson has arrived, I try to answer the questions he has about the club or the dressing room. I can help to translate when he wants to communicate with people in the club, in the staff.

    “And since he’s here, as Ander said, I can see how focused he is, his professionalism. Edinson has done a lot of things in football and he remains very humble. And it’s great to have him. He brings his experience, he will bring a lot of goals.

    “Did I advise him to buy umbrellas? Yes, as a joke. I told him that it rains much more in Manchester than in Paris. So actually it’s not bad advice.

    “We (Mata and Herrera) speak a lot, but our relationship is above that. We’ve had a great connection for a long time, since we were playing together in the Spanish Under-21s.

    “He’s a great guy, we had a nice time together in Manchester. After the game at Parc des Princes, we had a nice chat together in the tunnel.”

    While enjoying watching Cavani find his feet in English football, Mata is not experiencing the happiest of times himself.

    The World Cup winner has been restricted to just seven appearances this season, and 292 minutes of Premier League action, amid fierce competition for places.

    “I try to stay strong in my head, to train as best I can, to be physically and mentally ready every time someone picks me,” Mata added.

    “Even if, of course, it’s not always easy to be that way when you don’t play every game.”

    Pressed on how he manages to stay positive, the 32-year-old playmaker added: “When I was 15, I left Oviedo/Asturias, the city where I grew up, to join the Real Madrid training centre.

    “At that age, when you are away from your parents and friends, you grow up faster.

    “I found myself competing with very talented young people and I didn’t know if I was at their level. I was a little terrified.

    “And then, suddenly, I was aware of my qualities, but also of my ability to progress. Since then, every time I face competition, I see it as an opportunity to improve myself.”

  • ‘Fernandes immediately proved how great he is’ – Mata

    ‘Fernandes immediately proved how great he is’ – Mata

    Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata says it’s a “pleasure” to play alongside Bruno Fernandes, who he believes “immediately proved how great a player he is” after swapping the Primera Liga for the Premier League.

    Fernandes is already being held up next to United legends of the past after an outstanding start to his Old Trafford career, having been snapped up by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from Sporting CP for €55 million (£49m/$66m) in the winter transfer window.

    The Portuguese playmaker, who has contributed 22 goals and 13 assists in his first 36 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, has been compared with fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Eric Cantona because of the way he has taken it upon himself to drive the team forwards over the past 10 months.

    United have become reliant on Fernandes to create openings in the final third and organise the team when out of possession, with the 26-year-old seemingly thriving under the weight of responsibility.

    Mata has thoroughly enjoyed working with the ex-Sporting star, and hopes he can continue to inspire Solskjaer’s side as they fight for silverware across multiple fronts.

    Asked if he has been impressed with the way Fernandes has adapted to the demands of English football, the Spaniard told L’Equipe: “Yes, some players take a long time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League but that was not the case with Bruno, who immediately proved how great a player he is.

    “He is hungry for victories and only thinks of improving. On the pitch, he and I get along very well, we have an instinctive mutual understanding of our passes, our movements… It is a pleasure to work alongside him.

    “Truth be told, we are all very happy that Bruno is here, considering his impact on the team. Hopefully, he continues like this.”

    Mata also reserved special praise for Marcus Rashford, but highlighted the influence he has had off the pitch rather than on it over the past year.

    The England international’s charity drive to ensure that free school meals are available to all children from underprivileged backgrounds has been well documented, and he has also launched a book club to encourage reading among the next generation.

    “I am so proud of Marcus, as a team-mate and friend, that he was able to help so many hungry English kids,” Mata said of his United team-mate. “This is a situation he experienced as a child, so he knows what he is talking about.

    “He is so impressive… Let’s not forget that he is only 23 years old. From his first practice with the group, I felt he was a good guy, humble, with a great mindset and a lot of heart.

    “It’s great to see Premier League players like him, Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) or Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) put their fame to good use to help others, and make sure that we live in a society a little more fair.”

    Mata, Rashford and Fernandes will all be back in contention for a place in Solskjaer’s line-up when United take on Paris Saint-Germain in a crucial Champions League group-stage clash on Wednesday.

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