Mata urges Pogba to ‘be happy’ in Manchester

Juan Mata has hailed Paul Pogba as a ‘positive influence’ on Manchester United and urged the midfielder to commit his future to the club.

Pogba has been linked with a return to former club Juventus having revealed last month that he is ready for a ‘new challenge’ after three years at United. Having just inked a one-year contract extension of his own, Mata wants Pogba to stay and help the club win trophies.

“We all know Paul and he is a fantastic midfielder, and a very good guy, very positive, and a good influence for everyone,” said the Spaniard.

“I think he is happy and brings everyone together, but I cannot speak for other people – I speak for myself. “As a teammate and a friend I would like him to stay and be happy because he is a very good player for us.”

Mata is about to enter his seventh season as a United player, during which time he has won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. He feels the club can get back to winning major honours under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and is urging Pogba to stick around and help them achieve it.

“This club has won more trophies than any other club in England and we want to win again big trophies. That is what the history of this club and the fans deserve,” he added.

“We know we have to improve and have a better season than last season. I think we have very good people in the changing room and good people in the manager.”

Manchester United are 21.00 to win the Premier League this season and 2.05 to finish in the top four.