Juan Mata says he “feels important” at Manchester United only months after reports suggested his career at Old Trafford was over following the arrival of manager Jose Mourinho in the summer.
The 28-year-old Spain midfielder was made captain by the Portuguese for Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Burnley.
Mata had been sold to United by Chelsea when they were both at the London club.
“Too many stories were created,” said Mata. “I’m the one that knows what is going on and nothing was going on.”
Mata has made 13 appearances and scored three goals for United this season. He only made 18 appearances in all competitions, including the Champions League, during the first half of the 2013-14 campaign before he was sold to Old Trafford.
When asked whether he felt like an important part of the squad, he said: “I do feel that.
“Since I came to United there have been ups and downs but I always felt like an important player under every manager and I am feeling important right now. But I have not had any conversations [with Mourinho] like they say I had.”
And on his relationship with the United boss, Mata added: “I said it before and I say it again, it is a professional relationship. That is it.
“That is why I said so many things were written about him coming with me at the club and what was going to happen. But in my mind I had it clear.
“Your friends and family want to know what is going on but I always told them the same. I am the one that knows what is going on and nothing was going on.”