Juan Mata’s departure saw countless Manchester United fans pay tribute to his demeanour off the pitch. What isn’t spoken about as much is his sheer determination on it.
The former Spain international’s time at Old Trafford will come to an end this summer after United confirmed his departure. It brings an end to an eight-and-a-half-year association with the club, with the 34-year-old having arrived during David Moyes’ short time as manager.
While there is no doubting Mata’s technical ability, he has found himself having to defy his doubters at various points during his time at United. Even in his final year with the club, when he appeared to be well down the pecking order, he managed to earn a place back in the side and show his worth during the final weeks of the season.
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That determination has never been more evident than during Jose Mourinho’s time in charge at Old Trafford. It was due to the Portuguese manager that Mata found himself at United in the first place, with Mourinho taking the surprise decision to let him go while at Chelsea.
It was a decision that took everyone by surprise. Mata had been the Blues’ standout player over the previous couple of years, but he clearly didn’t fit in with Mourinho’s methods. When the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss made his way to Old Trafford, many predicted it would sound the death knell for Mata’s time at the club. But the Spaniard dug in and even managed to change Mourinho’s opinion of him.
“Mata is very important. He is another one, big story when I arrived one-and-a-half-years ago – ‘Mata in trouble, in trouble, in trouble’,” Mourinho said back in 2018.
“Now he’s getting an extension of one more year. (He is) an important player for me, an important player for the club, an important player for the other players.”
It was Mata’s qualities both on and off the pitch that worked in his favour. Ever the model professional, he managed to put his differences with Mourinho to one side for the good of his club.
“I didn’t leave and despite what many people said and wrote, I played more than people expected,” Mata said in 2019. “I felt like an important player, I played the two finals we played and I felt proud of myself for being strong and taking the challenge and not leaving.
“I might play more or less because of the way he plans football but I am going to be here and I am going to show everyone, most of all myself, that I can overcome things in football. And I did. I had good seasons with him and I feel content with that.”
It’s to Mata’s credit as a professional that he has managed to overcome some of the obstacles that have been placed in his path at United over the years. His manner off the pitch and his influence on his teammates also show why he may have been of value to Erik ten Hag as he looks to kickstart the United rebuild.
Of course, he wouldn’t have played regularly, but during a period in which United players have continually had their attitudes questioned, the same criticism cannot be levelled at Mata. The reaction from supporters to his departure, having made his way back into the side, shows just how fondly he will be remembered at Old Trafford.
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