New Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has warned Juan Mata he is only likely to play a third of the side’s matches should he stay at the club.

Mata was sold by Mourinho at Chelsea back in 2014 having failed to adapt to the Portuguese’s style of play, becoming a key figure at United ever since, reports The Mirror. 

The 28-year-old, who was brought to the club by ill-fated manager David Moyes, has been relatively successfully deployed in an attacking midfield or right wing role for the club, despite failing to hit the heights he had at Chelsea.

With Mourinho now having taken the reigns at the Old Trafford side, Mata has opted to knuckle down and earn his place in the side.

The manager has revealed he is happy to keep hold of the Spaniard at the club but has told him he will likely have less input than in previous seasons.

Mata featured in all 38 of Manchester United’s Premier League matches last term as the side disappointingly finished outside of the top four.