WE’RE ON THE RIGHT ROAD
Magic Mata in top gear at United
JUAN MATA claims Jose Mourinho has changed from the manager he knew at Chelsea.
The Manchester United midfelder insists Mourinho IS adapting to the culture of the Old Trafford club.
That might not have been too evident in United’s 2-0 win against Ajax in the Europa League Final last Wednesday.
By Mourinho’s own admission, it was a “pragmatic” performance designed to secure a crucial victory vital to his and United’s future.
It was all about clinching Champions League qualification and as is usually the case with the United manager, it was a job successfully done.
But Mata claims United have, can and will play in the attacking style for which the club became famous under Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Spain star said: “He has changed. It is a different environment, it is a different club and squad.
“This club has always known that they play one kind of football, which is all about attacking and creating chances.
“We are doing that and he is happy with performances. Everyone can see the players are playing with more confidence.
“He is the same person, with almost the same staff. But what has changed is the environment.”
United fans have sung all season, to the Herman’s Hermits hit I’m Into Something Good, that: “Jose’s playing the way that United should.”
And Mata, who insists he has a “good relationship” with Mourinho and despite being sold by him from Chelsea to United, is confident the club’s supporters will be happy with the style of play they’ll see on the pitch.
Mata, 29, added: “This win was smashing for us. We went to Stockholm with a chance of being in the Champions League and we’ve done it.
“We’ve brought another trophy back home to Manchester.” Mourinho managed to have a dig at Tottenham, Manch es t e r City and L i ve rp o o l – who all finished above United i n t he Premier League – in claiming his t eam had qualified f or t he Champions League in the right way.
The United boss said: “We weren’t strong enough to win the Premier League but we were to win the Europa League.
“For me, the best way to qualify for the Champions League is to win the Premier League or the Europa League.
“So we have done it the right way. We prefer this way to finishing fourth, third or second in the Premier League.
“That’s because we go back to the Champions League through winning a trophy.”
United legend and club ambassador Bryan Robson, 60, said: “It was really important that Manchester United won this trophy.
“Getting into the Champions League is so important, because that’s where this club should be.
“It will also help the manager go out and attract really good players in the summer.”
And he added: “It’s also another European trophy for the club.”