REVEALED: Mourinho explains Mata substitution

Juan Mata was brought off just 28 minutes after coming on the field for Manchester United, with many believing that it was a deliberate attempt from Mourinho to humiliate the midfielder. 

Mata was sold to Manchester United by Mourinho in his Chelsea days, and it is said that the pair parted on bad terms. The new Manchester United manager did nothing to help these rumours when he subbed the Spaniard off after being brought on, but Mourinho claims the decision was purely tactical. 

"I know I did something which is not nice to do which is replace Mata, but he's happy now," Mourinho told the press.

"The rules allowed six changes, and I wanted to stop the game, to kill time. I have one more player [to bring on] and I have to pick the smallest one [to come off]". 

The United boss said that hge wanted taller players on the pitch, in order to defend high balls into the box from Leicester. 

"However I knew it would end with long balls, throw-ins, so I don't pick [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic or [Marouane] Fellaini for sure. Mata is the smallest one," he added. 

Mata did not seem impressed at first, but managed to muster a smile when Mourinho explained his decision.