Mata first of many new stars, says Moyes
The Premier League champions announced the €44.7m signing of the Spanish playmaker on Saturday in a deal which it is hoped might give United’s difficult campaign some impetus.
Talks are underway with striker Wayne Rooney to extend his contract, while there have also been reports of a bid for highly-rated Southampton left-back Luke Shaw as Moyes looks to put his stamp on the squad he inherited from Alex Ferguson.
“This is the first, and there will be many more to come in time. I want the quality of Juan to be the start of it,” Moyes said. “I don’t think we will have any more [new signings] in January — I’m still working on it and looking to do so. But, hopefully, it will be the first of some new signings, some new players who will arrive, more likely in summertime.”
The Scot admitted the signing had lifted the mood at Old Trafford.
“Undoubtedly we could all do with a bit of a lift, we have not done as well as we would have liked to do,” he told MUTV. “We see this as the start, we have to look to improve and I’m going to try to bring in some new players to make that happen.
“I want to build an exciting team, I want to win and I want to give the supporters something to shout about. I’ve not done that often enough.”
Moyes, who said he would probably look to get Mata involved in tomorrow night’s Premier League game against Cardiff, said it was a surprise the deal was able to be done mid-season.
“I never felt we would get that opportunity, I wasn’t sure that Chelsea would ever sell him to us. Thankfully we got there and I am delighted he is here.
“I’m a bit surprised because it’s not something that tends to happen especially between Premier League teams. I was surprised when it happened but we have got a really exciting player, a player I’m looking forward to working with, a player I think everybody in football looked at and says he did a great job for Chelsea.”
Mata will be formally presented as a United player today at the club’s training ground, but gave an interview to in-house channel MUTV in which he too expressed surprise that Chelsea had been prepared to let him go.
“I am really grateful to Chelsea, to the owner, to the people working in the club and to the fans. The last six months were difficult for me, I didn’t play as much as I wanted to,” he said.
“I understand that football is a team sport and I respected that situation. But the chance to come to Manchester United was a great chance for me to carry on with my career, they are a massive club.”
Mata revealed he had been in contact with United goalkeeper David de Gea, a team-mate at international level. “He had been texting me the last five or six days, asking me ‘when are you coming, when are you landing? Are you coming by helicopter or by bicycle?’,” he said.
“At the end I am very happy to be with him. He’s a very good friend and an amazing goalkeeper, so he is important for me.”
In an open letter written to Chelsea’s fans on his official website, Mata was at pains to thank them for the support shown to him.
“This letter is written from my heart, and first of all I would like to say that I will never forget all the affection given to me by the Chelsea fans,” he said.
“From the very first day until the last. With your support and affection I have grown up as a player and I have had an amazing time both on and off the pitch. I will always feel the gratitude towards you. Always. No words are enough to give back all the things I have received.
“There has been plenty of good moments: the FA Cup, my first trophy as a Blue; the immense happiness of winning titles for the first time in the club’s history, such as that magical Champions League night in Munich and the Europa League... On the other hand, I have experienced some complicated situations from a personal point of view, mainly during the last six months. Every message I got through social media, every nice word you have said to me on the street, and, of course, your support in the stadium, has made me feel proud of the Chelsea fans; you deserve a team like the one you’ve got, with so many fantastic players.”
Mata also reserved praise for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, whose ultimate lack of belief in his ability to play in the three behind the striker led to his exit.
“[Thank you] to Jose, for making me a stronger player, because in difficult moments, I have learnt to remain positive. Lastly, I want to thank the club, and owner, Roman Abramovich, for trusting me and making an important investment when signing me.”
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