Juan Mata tells Jose Mourinho he can play alongside Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata
claims he doesn’t see Henrikh Mkhitaryan
as a direct rival and believes he can line-
up alongside the Armenian under Jose
Mourinho.


Mata, 28, has been overlooked for the
rejuvenated Mkhitaryan during the last
fortnight.
The Armenia
international made
just three
appearances in his
first three months at
Old Trafford and
Mata thrived both on
the right wing and in
attacking midfield
role in Mkhitaryan’s
absence.
Mata started against Crystal Palace on
Wednesday night but will face a battle to
retain his spot when Mkhitaryan returns
from injury on Boxing Day for the side’s
clash against Sunderland.
However, the Spaniard doesn’t necessarily
believe Mkhitaryan will take his spot and
says the two can play together for the Red
Devils.
‘I do not think (my rival for the place is
Mkhitaryan),’ Mata told the IBTimes .
‘We are different players and we can play
together. Then it depends on each game
as the manager decides what is best for
the team.
‘But I think we are different players and I
am happy for his recent performance
because he is a great guy and deserves it.’