Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has lifted the lid on his relationship with former Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal.

Thirty-one-year old Mata, who has registered 48 goals in 249 appearances for United since his arrival from Chelsea, was signed by David Moyes in January 2014 before the Scotsman was replaced by Van Gaal three months later.

Speaking to the UTD Podcast, Mata has opened up on the Dutchman's emotional demeanour.

"He was scary. I tell you. He was a very nice man; a very, very nice man; very genuine and very sensible. You wouldn't expect that but he was very sensible," said the Spaniard.

"He could get emotional and was crying sometimes, when he was speaking about important matters. When he found the right values, the right football, he got emotional."

Van Gaal won one FA Cup with the Red Devils before being dismissed in 2016.

Written by
Ben Knapton