Juan Mata has revealed he is relishing his role as one of Manchester United's most experienced players this season.
The recent departures of Ashley Young and Chris Smalling, and introductions of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka into the squad by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have hugely reduced the average age of the side.
That means Mata has taken on a senior position in the squad and has explained to United Review his role as a mentor to younger players. United have several attack-minded youngsters, such as Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and Mason Greenwood.
“They know that I am here for them, and I’m here for any of my team-mates," said Mata.
"I have been in the same position that they are in now, which is at the front door of their professional careers, so from now it’s very important that they are ready for it and that they stay physically fit and mentally tough because there are some challenges ahead.
"And I hope they can find the consistency that is needed to be a professional football player. I think they have the qualities and hopefully they will also, during the process, learn the other things too.”
Mata admitted it has been refreshing to see so many youngsters given a chance by Solskjaer in the first team.
He added: “It’s always nice. They’re always fresh and full of energy and positivity.
"I remember when I was 18 or 19 and starting at Valencia and it felt that way.
"You’re there, you’ve got to where you want to be, but you want more. You want to play and you want to show that you’re good enough.
"We have now many young players, all of them with different qualities and personalities and overall they’re very nice guys and I’m happy to see them develop like they’re doing.”
