Juan Mata has revealed he is taking on a new role as a senior pro in the Manchester United dressing room as he helps youngsters settle into the squad.
The Spaniard admitted that was a big reason behind his decision to sign an extended two year contract at Old Trafford.
Mata took the captain's armband during United's 2-0 win against Perth Glory on Saturday and is set for a more senior position in the dressing room in the coming campaign, helping young players to emerge under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“You need a mix of players in a dressing room including experience and I’ve been a professional footballer for 13 years," he told The National .
"I’ve seen good professionals, I’ve seen younger players lose their head and think they are better than what they are. So I feel I can help younger players and there are very good young players at Manchester United.”
Mata added that new boys Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James are fitting in well at United, as both made their non-competitive debuts and impressed in the pre-season opener . He's confident that Solskjaer's new signings can bring the right attitude to a United side who ended last season with just two wins from 12 games and are looking to make a return to the top four, having finished sixth.
“Aaron and Daniel are good guys who have the right mentality and hunger to grow in this club. Both give us speed going forward,” he added.
“I am optimistic about this season. We all learned from last season. We have to give everything; we have to have the right mentality. And by doing that things will improve."
