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Garth Crooks tips Manchester United to sell Juan Mata this summer

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho talks with Juan Mata (REUTERS)
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Juan Mata starred for Manchester United at the weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZBiJmGk_KA

Juan Mata scored the opener as Manchester United beat Watford 2-0 on Saturday.

The goal was the Spaniard’s ninth goal of the season in all competitions and sixth in the Premier League.

His performance saw him named in BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week, but the ex-Spurs ace believes Mata will not be around at United for much longer.

Manchester United's Juan Mata scores their first goalManchester United’s Juan Mata scores their first goal

Mata was bought by the Red Devils in 2014, with current United boss Jose Mourinho selling him.

Crooks is unconvinced that Mourinho has faith in him, despite the manager picking Mata in 31 different matches already this season.

He said: “Not only does Mourinho mess the Spaniard about with tactical substitutions that only he understands, and at moments in the game that seem insignificant, Mata always seems to rise above it which often shows Mourhino to be a bit of a brute.

“It has got to the stage where not only has Mata displayed remarkable professionalism, he is now playing as well for United as he did when Mourinho decided to sell him at Chelsea.

“Which rather suggests to me that Mata has become sellable again and therefore may be the first in Mourinho’s cull come the end of the season. Watch this space.”

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho talks with Juan MataManchester United manager Jose Mourinho talks with Juan Mata

Similar predictions were made the very moment Jose Mourinho was appointed as Manchester United boss last summer, but Mata has defied those calls.

The Spaniard is a vital part of the Red Devils’ first team squad and is a popular figure with the fanbase.

Mata has started 14 league games and come off the bench in six times, and is yet to complete 90 minutes in the Premier League.