The Spaniard insists he is still the same player he was at Stamford Bridge
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata insists he is still the same player that David Moyes signed from Chelsea in 2014.
The Spaniard joined the Red Devils three years ago next month, after being axed by now United boss Jose Mourinho. But he insists his return to his best form under the Portuguese isn’t down to a change in the way he plays.
Mata fell out of favour with Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, before Moyes afforded him the chance to gain regular first-team football at Manchester United.
But despite performing inconsistently for United, Mata has now seemingly rediscovered his best form under Mourinho – who had let him leave less than three years ago.
“The teams are different, the clubs are different, the squad is different,” said the Spain international.
“I just try to play the best I can in every single game.
“That is what I tried at Chelsea and that is what I’m trying now. I’m happy in my football and I’m enjoying it.
“But I don’t see that I’m not doing the same as I did at Chelsea. I’m doing the same but sometimes circumstances change. Obviously this is a different circumstance than when we were at Chelsea.”
Mata was Chelsea’s Player of the Year in both 2012 and 2013 and he will hope to produce similar form for United this season, as they look to improve on their indifferent start to the campaign which currently sees the Red Devils nine points off the top four.
