Juan Mata admits he misses former Man Utd teammate Ander Herrera

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has explained how he misses his former teammate Ander Herrera.

Herrera, who joined PSG on a free transfer last summer, was known to be a close friend of his Spanish partner, and the two also lived close to each other while Herrera was in Manchester.

And speaking in a question and answer session on United’s official website, Mata spoke about his regret that the former Zaragoza and Athletic Bilbao player has moved to new pastures.

When asked if he missed his former colleague, Mata said, “Yes, yes, I do. I miss him on the field but also in the dressing room and outside.

“We lived in the same area. We saw each other after training for lunch, dinner, to watch soccer together, so of course I miss him.

“He is a very good friend; I am still in contact with him very often. He is very happy in Paris.”

Mata also compared Herrera to United’s new signing Bruno Fernandes, adding: “When you understand football the same way, I think it’s fun to play with someone like him or someone like Bruno [Fernandes] now. You always miss them when you don’t play with people like this. “

Meanwhile, Mata has also voiced his opinion on United’s transfer target, Jadon Sancho, who is being tipped by many for a big money change to Old Trafford in the near future.

Sancho, 20, receives a strong tip for him to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer and return to England, where he rose in rank at Manchester City.

“We all know he is a great player,” said Mata. “He is having a fantastic season at Borussia, but you know it is not my responsibility to talk about those things.”

“Of course I like it as a player, but I can’t answer that.”