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A MATA OF THANKS

Juan Mata says thanks to Jose Mourinho but is looking forward to life under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

The Spaniard addressed his fans on his website through his weekly blog as he thanked his former manager

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JUAN MATA has thanked his former boss Jose Mourinho, but the Spaniard is looking forward to the future under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The midfielder addressed his fans on his , as he thanked Mourinho for the trophies and success they shared together at Old Trafford.

 Mourinho worked with Mata at Chelsea and United
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Mourinho worked with Mata at Chelsea and UnitedCredit: Reuters

Mata said: “Obviously, it has been a different week with the change of manager and I’d like to thank Jose for the trophies we won together and wish him luck for the future.”

Mourinho worked with Mata at Chelsea for six months before selling him to United in January 2014 for £37.1 million - only to link up with the Spaniard two years later.

Last week United sacked Mourinho and replaced him with club legend Solskjaer, and the caretaker boss led the Reds to an emphatic 5-1 away win against Cardiff on his first game.

The clear boost in morale and performance was evident in the football United played in Wales, and Mata cited his excitement to keep the form going under their new boss.

 Mata has scored twice in the league this season
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Mata has scored twice in the league this seasonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
 Solskjaer replaced Mourinho at United
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Solskjaer replaced Mourinho at UnitedCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 United beat Cardiff 5-1 in Solskjaer's first game in charge
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United beat Cardiff 5-1 in Solskjaer's first game in chargeCredit: AFP or Licensors
Cardiff 1-5 Manchester United - Rashford, Herrera, Martial and Lingard double get Solskjaer off to winning start

Mata said: “We couldn’t have started off upon his return to the club in a better way.

“It was a convincing win against Cardiff and it will raise morale going into the end of 2018 and the rapidly approaching new year.

“It is time for be optimistic, to look ahead and keep working hard to climb up the table. We are really motivated to do so while entertaining our fans, who deserve so much.”

Mata made just seven league starts under Mourinho, with the Spaniard’s best performance coming in a 4-1 home win against Fulham.

 Mata scored against Fulham earlier in the month
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Mata scored against Fulham earlier in the monthCredit: Reuters
 Despite his performance Mata would be benched against Liverpool in the following game
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Despite his performance Mata would be benched against Liverpool in the following gameCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The 30-year-old grabbed a goal and assist at Old Trafford only to see his efforts earn him a spot on the bench in United’s following game against Liverpool.

Mata would play just ten minutes at Anfield as his side were beaten 3-1 in a game that would be Mourinho’s last in charge for United.

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