Juan Mata is clear. Man Utd have to look at themselves after a terrible season. In an interview with 'The Athletic', the Spaniard said that they are an elite club and cannot afford to have such a bad season. He thinks the club needs changes at all levels.
The 2021-22 campaign has not exactly been the best in Man Utd's history. The season has been full of ups and downs and the club have not even managed to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Juan Mata spoke to 'The Athletic' about what has gone wrong at Man Utd. "Certain standards were not met. Whether that's attitude, level of training... I think we all agree, if we are completely honest, we haven't been good enough," the Spaniard said.
He believes that it is not just the players who are to blame. "There were certain things that were out of our control, which we shouldn't let affect us, but naturally you feel that way when you can see certain things are not good enough. If you don't have a solid base, when bad things come, it is difficult to stay all together," he said.
"We need a reset in the culture of the club. That's how I feel. The standards, what it means to represent this club to any player, what is expected on the pitch and off the pitch. 'Many things that need to be clear. this is Manchester United and anyone who doesn't meet those standards is not up to the task and should not be here. That's as clear as I can be," an annoyed Juan Mata told 'The Athletic'.
Mata is confident that things will change under Ten Hag: "I've heard he's very methodical. He wants to win, but his way. I only hope, whether I'm here or not, that he can implement that, that he's true to himself and that he wins trophies at this club. Man Utd are a unique team because of our history, what we represent and the expectations we have to fulfil."
Despite the fact the Man Utd fans said goodbye, it seems like he is not clear what he will do next season. The Spaniard said he had "a conversation pending" with Ten Hag. "I'll see when we speak how we feel, what his ideas are... After that, I'll take a decision," he concluded.