Juan Mata believes Manchester United finally have the right manager in José Mourinho, with the Spain international hopeful a new era of success can be kick-started by winning the Europa League.
United face Ajax in Wednesday’s final in Stockholm. If Mourinho’s side win they will claim their second trophy of the season, following the EFL Cup, as well as qualifying for the Champions League next season.
United have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge, the 2012-13 campaign. David Moyes succeeded Ferguson but was sacked after 34 league games and his successor, Louis van Gaal, was removed after two seasons, though he did win last year’s FA Cup.
Mata said: “Mourinho hates to lose. If you are the manager or a player for this club, you have high demands. It doesn’t matter if Sir Alex Ferguson just left, it doesn’t matter about the size and quality of the squad, you are always asked to reach the top.” The 29-year-old midfielder added: “I’m confident we can deliver and the fans will be happy again. Hopefully we can start from the final against Ajax on Wednesday.
“We want to play European football, hopefully it is Tuesday and Wednesdays, instead of Thursday’s, but if it’s Thursdays we will play Thursdays and it wouldn’t be an excuse to try to win the title. Obviously you don’t have as much time for recovery as you should, and we have lived that this season. But I think the club and money will help us try to get a bigger squad and help us prepare for a different competition.”
Mata was signed by Moyes in January 2014 for a then club-record £37.1m. His contract expires in 2018, with the club holding an option to extend by a further season and Mata has indicated that he wants to sign on again.
“Yes, I’m happy here. I’ve always said that since I came here it has not been the greatest moment in the club’s history,” Mata said. “It’s been a different approach and a new stage after Sir Alex Ferguson. We’ve had a few managers, different players coming and going, but I feel really happy to be at this club. I feel privileged to play for Manchester United. It is something when I’m old I will always be proud of.”
