United a natural habitat for Mata - Mourinho

Juan Mata has found a 'natural habitat' at Manchester United, manager Jose Mourinho has said.

Mata moved to Old Trafford from Chelsea in January 2014 and there were suggestions that he could be on the way out of the club following Mourinho's arrival in the summer.

Despite the speculation, the Spaniard has been a key member of the team and it has been reported that he will be offered a new deal by United.

“[Chelsea] were playing in a defensive block when we won the title in 2014-15, and it’s one thing having players for that and another having players trying to play in a different way and we are trying to play in a different way," said Mourinho.

“He is very adaptive with his qualities. He has found a very good natural habitat with us.”

Mourinho was in charge of Chelsea when Mata departed Stamford Bridge but he insists it was the player’s decision to leave.

"First of all, I didn’t sell him. My job is not to buy and sell. My job is to coach, to work on the pitch and to advise my board about the transfer policy," Mourinho said.

“Secondly, it was Juan that asked to leave and when a player asks to leave I think always you have to think twice.

“And the third point is that my idea for football with the squad and objectives we had at Chelsea is one thing, and the squad I have at Man United and the profile and what I try to do with this club is a completely different situation.

“So Juan at Chelsea in my project was one player, and Juan in my project at Man United is another thing.”

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