Man United the perfect place for me, says Juan Mata after £37.1m switch

Juan Mata believes Manchester United is the “perfect place” for a new challenge after the Spaniard completed a £37.1m move from Chelsea.

The 25-year-old winger is reported to have signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the Red Devils after completing a medical at the defending champions earlier on Saturday.

United is the perfect place for me and I am excited at the chance I have to be part of the next phase in the club’s history

Juan Mata

Mata was out of favour under Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho this season, despite scoring 20 goals and making 35 assists for the west London side as they finished in the top four and won the Europa League last term.

And United’s new signing, who has won the World Cup and European championship with Spain, admitted he was thrilled to join the 20-time English champions.

“I am thrilled to be joining United,” Mata told United’s website.

“I have enjoyed some very happy years at Chelsea but the time has come for a new challenge. United is the perfect place for me and I am excited at the chance I have to be part of the next phase in the club’s history.

“Chelsea is a top club and I have many friends there but you cannot turn down the chance to join Manchester United. I look forward to helping the manager and the team be successful in the coming years.”

Mata is expected to make his United debut against Cardiff City at Old Trafford on Tuesday.