3 surprises from Jose Mourinho's Manchester United so far

#1 Juan Mata staying and performing

Most expected Juan Mata to depart as Jose Mourinho took charge at Old Trafford

I bet there was no one more terrified than Juan Mata on Jose Mourinho’s appointment as United manager. The former Chelsea mainstay was forced out by Mourinho on his second spell as the Blues’ boss for not being more contributing in defence. The diminutive Spaniard has yet to replicate his Chelsea exploits at United but has become a big favorite among the fans due to his cool and composed aura.

Mourinho’s appointment sparked rumours of Mata joining Everton or returning to Spain for Espanyol. In spite of having bad blood in between them, Mata’s desire to stay, work hard and command a starting role in Mourinho’s United team is praiseworthy.

Though they seem to have put their differences aside and look to work together, there remains some discontent which was pretty much evident in the Community Shield match against Leicester. Every time Mata steps on the pitch it feels as if he is one mistake or one bad game away from being substituted or benched the next game.

While everything looks calm on the outside Juan Mata is remaining in Mourinho’s plans and Manchester United on borrowed time and not before long Mata might just end up in different colors.