Juan Mata defends David Moyes reign at Manchester United, claiming he had 'no luck' and 'anyone' would have struggled

The Manchester United midfielder was discussing his former manager's appointment at Real Sociedad

Juan Mata (right) and David Moyes arrive at Carrington training complex on Monday (Phil Noble/Reuters)

Juan Mata has backed David Moyes to succeed at Real Sociedad, insisting his troubles at Manchester United should be overlooked.

Louis van Gaal's predecessor was confirmed as the new manager of the La Liga side yesterday, an announcement that sees him return to the game following his dismissal from Old Trafford just 10 months into his reign.

There is likely to be keen interest on how the Scot gets on in Spain, but his time at Manchester United should not have any bearing on how he is viewed by his new club says Mata.

"He is a coach who had no luck here [at Manchester United]," the 26-year-old told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.

"Obviously, replacing Sir Alex Ferguson is not easy. Not for him not for anyone.

"He was unlucky. He did not got the results we wanted and his spell ended sooner than expected."

David Moyes poses with Juan Mata following the midfielder's arrival at the club

Moyes has arrived at Sociedad with the club currently 15th in La Liga after an indifferent start to the season. The club have won just two of their 11 games this term, but those victories were against champions Atletico Madrid and super power Real Madrid. Mata has backed the club to sort things out under Moyes.

"My experience with him is very good. He did a very good job at Everton. He works hard and prepares really well for the games," he said.

"I wish him the best at Real Sociedad. I have great friends like [former QPR and Real Madrid midfielder] Esteban Granero there and I also want the best for him. I hope he does well.

"Real Sociedad is a club with lots of history and a great stadium and San Sebastian is a place where you can live really well.

"They have a great team, especially good attacking players and hopefully will do great. I think he can settle well and can get things right."

Moyes was the driving force behind bringing Mata to Old Trafford last January, one of only two signings the manager was able to make during his time at the club. It's something that Mata remains grateful for.

"I was with him just a few months but of course I will always be grateful to him because he played a key role in my move to United," he added.

"He was the one who called me, who received me and who gave me the confidence to come here."