Rio Ferdinand voices major Manchester United regret about Juan Mata

Rio Ferdinand has claimed Juan Mata would have been better served joining Manchester City rather than Manchester United.

The former Spain international has been at Old Trafford for more than eight years, having made the move from Chelsea in January 2014. During that time, he has won four trophies and no league title, with United struggling to rediscover their former glories.

In recent years, the 33-year-old has become a peripheral figure in the United squad with Mata making just four appearances this season in all competitions, having made 17 last season. The former Chelsea man sees his contract expire at the end of the season, and it looks at this stage highly unlikely his deal will be renewed, with Mata set to depart in the summer.

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And former team-mate Ferdinand — who spent half a season playing alongside Mata at United in 2014 — believes the Spaniard might have been better served moving to the blue half of Manchester instead. Despite City not being linked with the midfielder, Ferdinand insists Mata would have suited their style perfectly.

“Mata’s an interesting one. What a technician by the way,” Ferdinand told the Vibe With Five podcast.

“I think if he had played for City he’d have been impossible, a proper player. The way that they play football would have suited his style like it did with Spain.

“At United, I think he’s somebody who has had some big moments. Anfield, he scored that overhead kick, he’s had some big moments for United, just not enough.

“We’ve not seen enough of him. He’s been a bit of a squad player over the last few years because of his age, but I tell you what, he’s a fantastic guy.

“In that