Manchester City may have won their second Premier League title just 24 hours ago but Manchester United’s record signing Juan Mata has already set his sights on reclaiming the trophy.
The former Chelsea player moved from London to the North West in January this year for a club record £37.1million.
His arrival at Old Trafford did little to turn the Red’s fortunes around though as they finished a disappointing seventh and recorded their lowest points total, 64, in the Premier League era.
The 26-year-old took to the club’s website after United drew 1-1 in their final game of the year against Southampton and insisted they would be back to their best next season.
“In United, if you don’t win the Premiership one year you know you have to do it the next one, and we will get ready for that. I believe it’s fair to congratulate Manchester City for winning the title.
“We will try to bring the celebrations to our side the next year.”
Since his arrival at Old Trafford, the Spaniard has consistently displayed his considerable talents managing to score six goals and provide four assist in all competition for the Reds.
And he displayed his undoubted talent yesterday when he shot home a brilliant equalising free-kick against the Saints.
“It’s always nice to finish with a goal, and especially from a free-kick,” said the Spanish international.
“I will tell de Gea to stay with me at the end of the training sessions so I can practice more.
“The goal helped the team to avoid a defeat in Southampton, although the score and our final position on the table is nothing we feel proud of.”
Mata’s fellow countryman David de Gea has been another of the few United players who have put in consistent performances throughout the torrid campaign.
And this was rewarded with Manchester United’s Player of the Year from both the fans and the players.
“The last week of the season was full of awards,” said Mata.
“On Tuesday I was honoured with the Player of the Month in April. It’s my second one in just three months and I don’t know how to thank you for that.”
“It means a lot to me to get this trophy, considering that everyone can vote. As I said last week, I’m feeling good and looking forward to more.
“The big prize was for de Gea and I was honoured to present it: United’s Player of the Year, voted for by both the fans and the players.
“It’s the first time that the trophy goes to a United goalkeeper and David deserves a lot of credit for that. He’s got amazing qualities and he may become one of the best goalkeepers in the world; I believe so.”
Thanks for your support during the season, you’ve been amazing. We will come back stronger! @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/p2vDFlUNhP
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) May 11, 2014
Image courtesy of bwin, via Youtube, with thanks
