Juan Mata insists nobody should doubt Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s commitment to bringing trophies back to Manchester United. The Old Trafford boss received firm backing this week from the Red Devils board after a disappointing opening to their Premier League campaign that has seen them win just twice so far.
The storm clouds following Sunday’s insipid defeat to West Ham United were only partially lifted after Wednesday night’s penalty shoot-out victory in the Carabao Cup over League One side Rochdale, which had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.
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Solskjaer’s team will undoubtedly be back under the microscope when they host Arsenal at the Theatre of Dreams next Monday, with United already three points adrift of the fourth-placed Gunners.
United midfielder Mata, however, has seen up close just how much the Manchester giants mean to his manager and how determined he will be to return the club to its former glories.
Mata reveals in his new book, Juan Mata – Suddenly a Footballer, on sale from this Friday: “After the first meeting we had with Ole as manager, I have realised how much Manchester United means to him. Of course, and looking back now, I should have realised straight away in 2014, when what he really meant by his words was: ‘Welcome to United, Juan, the place where I belong, my home, the best club in the world.
“With the arrival of Ole, and since his announcement as permanent manager, the club starts a new era; an era that hopefully will be successful in terms of trophies, style of play, and above all, bringing back the excitement, pride and happiness for all United fans around the world.”
Mata has been involved in all six of United’s Premier League games this season, starting three times, and could be in line to earn a starting berth against the Gunners.
The Spaniard came off the bench in the latter stages of the penalty shoot-out victory over Rochdale, netting United’s first spot-kick, and with injury issues starting to mount, he is likely get the nod.
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