Mata Feels Gobal Support

Juan Mata says the scale of support for Manchester United when the team goes on pre-season tour is what has surprised him most about life as a Red.

The Spanish playmaker experienced his first tour with the team last summer during the visit to the United States. Louis van Gaal's men enjoyed stays in Los Angeles, Denver, Washington DC, Detroit and Miami as the Reds ran out winners in the International Champions Cup, a tournament the team will compete in again during Tour 2015, presented by Aon.

Mata was taken aback by the level of support for the team throughout the US and believes the reason behind that, and United's overall global attraction, is down to the club's rich and unique history.

"It was unbelievable to see how many supporters we have in the United States and even when we were playing teams like Real Madrid, we had more supporters than them. It’s amazing to feel fans in the States are with us," Mata told ManUtd.com.

"I think it’s very nice to know that the American fans are trying to learn more about the history of the club. We love them and thank them a lot because we can feel their support even from overseas and hopefully we can see a lot of them this summer.

"I think what's surprised me most about the club is to feel that wherever you go, even when you go on holiday to a quiet place, you always find Man United supporters. It’s something that you do not expect in some countries, yet we have them all around the world.

"Manchester United is a special and unique club because of its history. No-one has won as many trophies as we have in the English league. That history is something that you cannot buy. I think this club has a lot of great history and I feel very proud to be part of it."