Juan Mata has revealed that Bruno Fernandes has waxed lyrical about one “mature” Manchester United star and believes he has a “bright future” ahead of him.
The 36-year-old former Manchester United star played alongside Bruno Fernandes before his departure from Old Trafford in 2022.
Juan Mata scored 51 times during his 285 appearances for the Red Devils, with the Spaniard lifting an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Europa League at the club.
The former Chelsea and Valencia player left Old Trafford in 2022 after his contract expired and went on to play for Galatasaray and Vissel Kobe.
Mata is currently a free agent after he left J1 League side Vissel Kobe in January.
The 2010 World Cup winner spent seven-and-half seasons at United after former Red Devils boss David Moyes signed him in 2014 from Chelsea for a £37.1m fee.
Mata on what Fernandes said to him
Speaking to MUTV, Juan Mata admitted that he has been “really impressed” with Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo this season.
Kobbie Mainoo is in his breakout season at Old Trafford and the 19-year-old Stockport-born player has been widely lauded for his performances.
The United star has become a key midfield figure for manager Erik ten Hag, who has praised Mainoo’s development since his emergence from the youth academy.
Mainoo’s impressive campaign with the Red Devils has even led to his senior international debut for England during the March international break.
Mata has spoken highly of the England international in the past and once again opened up about his admiration for United talent Mainoo.
The former Spain international admitted that Bruno Fernandes has spoken to him about Mainoo and the United captain has praised the Red Devils youngster.
“I’m really impressed with Kobbie,” Mata said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“Of course, I haven’t seen much of him before, but he looks like he’s been playing for the club for longer than [he has].
“[In his] first games for United he already looks so mature. He looks like a player. With the ball, without the ball [he’s] focused. [He’s got a] bright future ahead.
“Bruno [Fernandes] tells me he’s also a great kid. He listens. He wants to learn. He’s humble. So, he has everything to succeed.”
Mata talks Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho
Mata crossed paths with United talent Alejandro Garnacho before his departure from Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho received his first-team debut at United in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in 2022, with the Argentina winger and Mata both coming off the bench.
Mata admitted that the 19-year-old Spain-born attacker has impressed him so far and insisted that he knew what “he’s capable of” on the pitch.
“[I’m] very [impressed]. I mean, I knew Alejandro, I know what he’s capable of,” he said.
“He was already showing signs of how good he could be. I think this season he made a step forward.
“He’s more consistent. He’s performing at a very high level, almost week in, week out, scoring incredible goals.
“I’m very happy for him, for his family too. He deserves it.”