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Juan Mata hopes to complete first full pre-season for seven years with Man Utd
JUAN MATA hopes his first full pre-season for seven years will give him the platform to impress Manchester United’s new boss Louis van Gaal.
This time I will do the whole tour, which is good to prepare for a long and hard season
Since breaking into Spain’s senior squad in 2009, Mata’s summer schedule has always delayed his return to training, first with Valencia and then Chelsea.
But after Spain’s surprise early exit from the World Cup, Mata is able to join United for the USA tour, starting against LA Galaxy tomorrow.
Mata said: “This time I will do the whole tour, which is good to prepare for a long and hard season.”
He has had a difficult baptism after becoming United’s £37.1 million record buy in January, but said: “It’s the start of a new era .”
Ed Woodward, United executive vice-chairman, will return home early to step up the player hunt.
Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and Thomas Vermaelen of Arsenal are targets.
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