EXCLUSIVE

JUAN MATA has revealed the frustration of knowing his days as a No.10 at Manchester United are over.

And t he 29- year- old Spanish international has claimed he’s had to sacrifice his natural creativity just to get a place in Jose Mourinho’s side.

United’s popular playmaker would love to have the same free role handed to cross-town rival and compatriot David Silva at Manchester City.

Silva is tearing up the Premier League but for Mata life at Old Trafford has become a struggle.

And with Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil a reported January target for Mourinho, it might not get any easier.

For instead of being handed the freedom of Old Trafford, the former Valencia and Chelsea star is most often having to operate from a wide position.

Against City last Sunday Mata almost provided a point-salvaging equaliser for United with a wonderful pass which helped set up the Romelu Lukaku chance saved by Ederson.

But the Spaniard has had to accept his days as a No.10 are behind him at Old Trafford, especially after the arrival of £89million Paul Pogba.

“When you are a footballer sometimes you need to adapt in order to play and help the team,” said Mata.

“I have had to do that. I have had to adapt to play on the right side, or left, or on the wing even though I don’t consider myself a proper winger.

Idol

“But I want to play and that’s the position I have to play if I want to be on the pitch.

“I’m more than happy to do it because if I play as many positions as I can it helps me become a better player.

“As a kid I was a striker, then I was a left-winger for a while. Then I played No.10 most of the time. It’s only since I came to Manchester United that I am playing on the right.”

Mata’s football upbringing was influenced by some of the great No.10s and not being able to follow that path now appears to hurt.

“My dad used to play football and his idol was Diego Maradona,” said Mata, talking to Rolling Reds. “At home, he would always put videos of Maradona on.