Mata set for a key United role, insists Jose

JUAN Mata looks set to play a key role at Manchester United this season, with Jose Mourinho describing Old Trafford as a natural habitat for the play-maker.

The Spaniard had been Chelsea's player of the year for two consecutive seasons when Mourinho rejoined the club in 2013 but found his opportunities limited under the Portuguese.

He moved to United in the summer of 2014 and might well have feared the worst for his prospects when Mourinho took over the Old Trafford hotseat this summer.

But Mata has started four of United's six Premier League games so far and was instrumental in their 4-1 victory over Leicester last weekend, scoring one goal and setting up another.

Mourinho said: "I didn't sell (him). My job is not to buy and sell. My job is to work on the pitch and advise my board about the transfer policy. He was one that asked to leave and, when a player asks to leave, you have always to think twice.

"In my project at Chelsea he was a good player, and in my project at Man United he is very good."

United appear to have regained their momentum following a three-game losing run with victories over Northampton in the EFL Cup and Leicester.

They will aim to take three points in the Europa League tonight when they host Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk.