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Juan Mata wins Manchester United Player of the Month award, despite slow start since £37.1m move

The Spaniard was involved in just one win in February

Simon Rice
Friday 07 March 2014 12:42 GMT
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David Moyes (left) poses with Juan Mata on Monday
David Moyes (left) poses with Juan Mata on Monday

Since making his £37.1m switch to Manchester United, Juan Mata has so far been unable to replicate the form that led the Red Devils to break the club's record transfer fee to sign him.

Mata has featured in just five games following his move from Chelsea, only two of which have been won. He's yet to score a goal and he failed to make it into Spain's squad for the World champions' midweek win over Italy.

Despite all that, Manchester United fans have taken it upon themselves to award Mata with the club's Player of the Month award.

With only the one win in February, against Crystal Palace, perhaps Mata was a beneficiary of being cup-tied for the humiliating Champions League defeat to Olympiacos.

Fans using United's various websites across the globe chose the Spaniard ahead of Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic.

"It's amazing for me to be awarded with this prize after my first month. I have played just a few games, five games I think, and I am really grateful the fans have voted for me," said Mata.

"I feel really happy. Life in Manchester is good, I have already found a house, I have a new home and I am trying to know different places around the city. It is a really nice city to live in. It is quiet, relaxing and you can be focused on what is important – playing football."

So far this season, Rooney has won the monthly award three-times, Adnan Januzaj twice and Robin van Persie once.

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