Juan Mata deserves to be happy at Man United, insists Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has described a move to Manchester United as a “fantastic opportunity” for Juan Mata, insisting that the Chelsea midfielder deserves to be happy.

The 25-year-old is expected to pen a four-and-a-half year deal at Old Trafford after United agreed a reported club-record £37m fee with the Blues, although Mourinho refused to clarify the sum.

The player deserves respect and deserves to be happy and play where he wants to play

Jose Mourinho

Mata has started just 11 league games under Mourinho, despite the Spaniard having been crowned Chelsea’s player of the season last term after 20 goals and 35 assists.

And although Mourinho feels Mata could still be a key player for the west London side, the Chelsea boss insists that the Blues want to give Mata the respect he deserves.

“Things are going in a good direction and we allowed Juan to travel and have a medical with United,” Mourinho told a news conference at Cobham.

“Sooner rather than later, things will be sorted.”

He continued: “This club is a special club. It cares about and is respectful with players, especially ones who had a history here.

“I still think he could be important player for us. He is a fantastic player despite not playing a lot with us in the recent period.

“Juan had this fantastic opportunity for him and now the club wants him, in the country where he loves to be and loves to play. The offer is the right offer for us.

“So in spite of many clubs and boards and managers thinking that we shouldn’t sell top player to a rival club, especially not in the same country, we feel and think different.”

He added: “The player deserves respect and deserves to be happy and play where he wants to play. The offer is one that we consider right for the quality of the player.”