Juan Mata says he is trying to 'stay strong in my head' to be ready for selection at Manchester United despite falling out of favour with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as midfielder admits it is 'not always easy' to be motivated

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Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata had admitted his struggles to keep motivated after finding himself on the fringes of the team this season. 

The Spanish midfielder has started just seven games in all competitions this season and has been unable to persuade manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that his displays in training warrant a place in the team. 

The Red Devils haven endured an up and down season so far and have lacked creativity at times, but Mata has not had many opportunities to boost their cause, and instead he has been forced to remain patient on the bench. 

Juan Mata says he is trying to 'stay strong' mentally despite being out of favour at Man United

The veteran midfielder opened up about how hard it has been for him to stay in a positive frame of mind despite his lack of game time, but insists he is doing his utmost to 'stay strong' mentally.  

'I try to stay strong in my head, to train as best I can, to be physically and mentally ready every time someone calls me,' he told L'Equipe, via the Mirror.

'Even if, of course, it's not always easy to be so when you don't play every game.'

The Spaniard admitted it was 'not easy' to stay motivated while on the fringes of the team

He has had to settle for just seven starts in all competitions under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (R)

Mata has been a loyal servant at Old Trafford since joining from Chelsea for £37million in 2014. He has entered his eighth season with the club, featuring more than 250 times and playing his part in winning three trophies so far.

But he has slowly seen his time on the pitch evaporate year by year. Last year he made just eight league starts but was picked in the line-up 16 times in the 2018-19 campaign.

This season he has scored twice - both coming in the League Cup - and will quickly switch his attentions to the Champions League for the final group stage game at home to PSG. 

Mata has been a loyal servant to Manchester United and has played more than 250 games 

It represents a big chance to impress Solskjaer should be he called upon, and Mata is predicting a stern test after United edged to a late 2-1 win in the reverse game on Wednesday night. A point will be enough for qualification to the knockouts. 

'PSG are an excellent team, who recently played in the Champions League final,' he added. 'During our match at the Parc des Princes, we had performed well. 

'But given the evolution of the group, I am sure that the Parisians will come to Old Trafford to win. We know how dangerous they can be.' 

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