Juan Mata has outlined his new role at Manchester United under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, saying that he is helping settle in the new blood who arrive at Old Trafford.
The veteran playmaker has been with the north-west side since joining from Chelsea for £37.1million in January 2014 and, being one of the longest-serving players at the club, has taken it upon himself to help new players when they first join up.
Mata said that despite being of senior age of a footballer – his 32nd birthday to occur April 28 – he still feels he has the energy which matches his younger days.
He said to the UTD podcast: “I feel young, honestly, in my body and in my mind, but obviously I’ve been playing in the club, and in English football and professionally for 12-13 years now.
He stated that he is happy to take on the responsibility of off-the-pitch matters, too.
(Image: PA)
“So that gives me the experience to – especially in difficult situations – behave in a certain way or give advice to the youngsters or something like that, and I think he (Solskjaer) values that also.
“Me, as a player, what I can give on the pitch, but also that I will try my best off the pitch for the new players that come, like now Bruno [Fernandes] and Odion [Ighalo], for the youngsters that come through the Academy like Brandon [Williams], Chongy [Tahith Chong], Angel [Gomes] and Jimmy [Garner].”
The Spaniard has spent seven seasons at United – including this campaign – and has installed himself as one of the most reliable members of the squad.
He has consistently provided goals for the Red Devils, at one point scoring ten goals across all competitions for three consecutive seasons.
During his spell in Manchester, Mata has played under four permanent managers, plus Ryan Giggs, who presided over the club temporarily.
