DEMAND UNITED

Mata reveals Ole has laid down law – NO repeat of last season

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has told his Manchester United squad he will not accept a repeat of last term’s shambles.

United ended last season in sixth place, taking just eight points from their final nine games, to miss out on a Champions League spot.

The Reds finished 32 points behind Manchester City and face a huge battle to re-establish themselves as a Premier League force.

Midfield star Juan Mata, who recently signed a new contract, said Solskjaer sat his players down when they returned for pre-season training and told them he expects more from them.

“We had a meeting on the first day and that’s the right thing to do,” said the Spaniard. “I think we all have to know the level that people expect from us and I think it’s good to do it the first day. We have to set ourselves higher standards and demand more from each other if we want to improve.”

The fact that 31-year-old Mata signed a two-year extension, with the option of an extra year, was a surprise given his age and the fact he is a squad player rather than an automatic starter.

But with Solskjaer bringing more young players into the United squad – like new signings Aaron Wan-bissaka and Daniel James – as well as academy graduates Tahith Chong, Mason Greenwood, Angel Gomes and James Garner, Mata’s experience is vital.

“In a squad you need balance, you need a mix of young players and more experienced players,” said Mata. “I enjoy speaking to young players. I really like them – Chongy, Gomes, Jimmy, Mason. Sometimes when you’re their age you can lose your head a little and think you are a better player, or bigger player, than you actually are.

“But they’re very calm and very humble, the four of them. They are trying their best. I really like them as personalities and as players. That’s why they are here.”

Mata also praised the way new arrivals Wan-bissaka and James have settled in at United. “They are very important because they’re very young and very hungry to give their best for the club,” he said.