Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata Photo: The Sport Review

Juan Mata has issued his backing of Manchester United’s bid to sign Romelu Lukaku from Everton.

The Red Devils confirmed on Saturday morning that they had agreed a fee to sign the Belgian forward from the Merseyside club after days of speculation linking him with a switch to Old Trafford.

The news did come as a surprise to some, with Chelsea having been thought to be the front-runners for Lukaku’s signature for most of the summer.

However, Lukaku is now set to line up in a Manchester United shirt next season and link up with his former manager Jose Mourinho.

And Manchester United playmaker Mata is clearly a big fan of the 24-year-old Belgian striker.

Mata is quoted as saying by the Daily Express: “We played together at our stage in London and have had a lot of good seasons at Everton, and this year he has scored a lot of goals.

“If he comes in the end, hopefully he will help us score many goals and try to win the Premier League.”

Manchester United’s squad are set to jet off to the United States for their pre-season tour on Sunday as they start to prepare for their second campaign under Jose Mourinho.

The Red Devils are preparing for a return to the Champions League next season after their Europa League triumph last term.

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