Manchester United may welcome their break from action this weekend following Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad, which ended their four game winning run, as Erik ten Hag’s side go back to the drawing board after slipping back into their old habits.
Yet former midfielder Juan Mata has taken some of the attention away from that flat 1-0 defeat by finally breaking his silence following his exit from the Red Devils this summer, while wantaway striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been shortlisted for yet another award after his Europa League fears were realised.
Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest stories coming out of Old Trafford…
Juan Mata breaks silence after latest move
The Spanish midfielder departed United at the end of last season upon the expiry of his contract, with Ten Hag sanctioning his exit as one of many in a mass clearout of players following his appointment this summer.
Mata has now found himself a new home at Turkish outfit Galatasaray, and speaking after his Old Trafford exit was confirmed, he said: "From here, from the middle of the pitch at Old Trafford, at night. I'm alone. Actually, this feels like a dream.
"I wanted to say thank you very much to all of you for your support over the years and especially during the difficult times that we lived together. I will never forget you. Thank you very much. All the best from the bottom of my heart and goodbye."
Read the story in full HERE .
How would you sum up Juan Mata's Man Utd career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Cristiano Ronaldo among Man City stars for award
Ronaldo's performances in the 2021-22 season have seen the Man United star nominated for the player of the season award in the NorthWest Football Awards.
The United man is one of five nominees, including Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne and current holder Mohamed Salah of Liverpool. The list is rounded off by Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, who has remained at Turf Moor as the Clarets aim to bounce back following their relegation last term.
Ronaldo has been used sparingly by new manager Ten Hag, making just his second start of the campaign in Thursday's Europa League defeat at home to Real Sociedad. However, a productive 2021-22 season on a personal level has earned him the nod, while United players are also in the frame for other awards.
Read the story in full HERE .
Erik ten Hag makes feeling clear on Wan-Bissaka
United put their Premier League duties on hold when they faced off against Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday and, as is typically done, Red Devils boss Ten Hag shuffled his pack for the visit of the La Liga side, resting some of his regular stars and handing the fringe players a chance to shine.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was one of those fringe players who was expected to start, yet he remained on the bench behind first choice right back Diogo Dalot, but even when the Portuguese was substituted at half-time, Ten Hag opted to bring Lisandro Martinez on instead.
Victor Lindelof was shifted to his unnatural position at right back as a result, and the decision says a lot about how highly Ten Hag rates Wan-Bissaka and suggests the Englishman will have to secure a move away from United to get his career back on track.
Read the story in full HERE .
