Mata’s rallying call ahead of run of games that could make or break United’s season
FROM BACK PAGE members of the current team and have been passed around the dressing room and to friends.
The players think some comments have been over the top bearing in mind that even some of the club’s greatest icons blundered during their careers.
They also rate some of the attacks as too personal and are particularly upset by constant accusations they do not care about the club.
Some believe a number of former Reds players lack the courage to criticise Mourinho, so are taking it out on the squad.
They have also been taken aback by how many of those now working as TV and radio pundits are piling into the debate with remarks which lack constructive criticism of any kind.
Boss Mourinho has come under fire but some of the harshest words have been aimed at the players. JUAN MATA admits the next six games could make or break Manchester United’s season.
On Saturday they travel to Chelsea – where they have not won since 2012 – and take on Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Jose Mourinho’s side then host Everton, followed by three away fixtures – Juventus, Bournemouth and champions Manchester City.
With the Reds boss still under huge pressure, despite a 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle before the international break, Mata acknowledged the importance of their next half dozen matches.
But he said the challenge is to take the positive mindset from the Newcastle win into the Chelsea game and earn a result to spark their campaign into life after an underwhelming start.
“It’s definitely a difficult month,” Mata (right) said. “We have very tough rivals in the Premier League and play Juventus in the Champions League. But if we have good results, it could be a very good month, in terms of points, mindset and confidence.
“Let’s see where we are in November and December.”
Mata inspired the recovery from 2-0 down against Toon, coming off the bench to score.
The Spanish midfielder will need to reproduce that form at his former club to get anything from the trip to Stamford Bridge.
They last won there in October 2012, en route to Sir Alex Ferguson’s – and United’s – last title win before he retired.
Their last two visits ended in defeat, with five goals conceded and none scored.
Their last five visits in the league have seen four defeats, a draw, 10 goals conceded and two scored.
They lost the FA Cup final 1-0 to the Blues at Wembley in May and a tie at Stamford Bridge the season before also ended in defeat. “I had very good memories from Stamford Bridge and from the fans,” said Mata. “I was there for two-and-ahalf years, so before and after the game I see some friendly faces – but that goes away when you’re on the pitch. “Our aim is to change the negative run of results at Chelsea. We will try to be clinical with chances, defend well and play with confidence. “We have to believe we can win, we need that mentality in those important games.” The international break came at the wrong time for a team on a high after a win over Newcastle which Mata felt could be a turning point. “It was difficult until half-time, we didn’t really get into the game,” he told Sky Sports. “They had dangerous counter-attacks, but how we changed things in the second half was very good.
“After halftime, we scored three goals, we could have scored more, and we certainly felt a real connection with the atmosphere, with the fans. They helped us a lot.
“It was a massive change. We left with good feelings, but also knowing we have to improve some things.”
The Chelsea game will confirm if United have truly turned a corner under Mourinho or whether beating the Magpies was no more than brief respite from a team mired in mediocrity.