Former Manchester United attacking midfielder Juan Mata has shared his views on one of his former teammates.
Juan Mata was once an adored member of the squad at Old Trafford, and when he first arrived, it felt like a game-changer.
But despite scoring 51 goals and assisting 43, the general feeling was that we wasted him, as he was easily among the most talented in the league.
Manchester United let him go the summer Erik ten Hag arrived, but he remains kindly thought of within the fanbase and went on to win a J-League with Vissel Kobe.
Giving a recent interview, the old United No. 8 discussed a variety of things including his old teammates.
Here’s what he’s now said…
Juan Mata gives verdict on Bruno Fernandes
One of football’s most likeable figures is former United man, Juan Mata. The Spaniard was at United for almost a decade before leaving in 2022.
Now though, he’s back in a United shirt to promote 2024’s pre-season tour in what seems like an ambassadorial role.
Speaking with ESPN on Friday though, his attention was firmly fixed on the current United squad as he discussed Bruno Fernandes.
“He’s a top, top player,” Mata began, “but he’s even better as a person. So for me, the culture of the club should be built around him.
“I should tell to all young players to look up to him. I cannot tell you how important he is for the club and not only because of what he’s done in the last games, scoring two goals and winning the game [against Sheffield Utd], but his consistency within the years that he’s been playing for the club is just incredible.
“For me, he’s the one that is always there for the team. He can play better or worse, but he’s always there with the right attitude. And for me, that’s what being a Manchester United player is.”
Mata also praised a second Manchester United name
As a United player, mata was impossible not to like as he was quite the character in that squad.
Despite his legs going before he departed Old Trafford, Mata always gave his all and his technical quality is immense.
One United player who’s not quite been endearing himself to the fans recently is Marcus Rashford, now Mata has had his say.
“We all know his [Rashford’s] potential and he knows himself how good he can be when he finds this consistency in his mind.
“And of course if he’s not injured, which is happening often with him at the moment.
“So I think the club knows that they have a great player in there. He’s shown it in the past.”
This verdict on Rashford is exactly what needed to be said, with the United forward in desperate need of support to help him find his top level once again.