Mata admits that he is an unpleasant man to be around when United have lost

The scene is all so serene, so removed from the emotions running wild across town at Old Trafford. The setting is the Whitworth Art Gallery, and Juan Mata strides towards the café, walking through the small but impressive Cézanne exhibition. In his mind, Mata still sees only the headlines following the humiliating defeat Manchester United have just endured at West Ham United.

It’s Monday afternoon, so peaceful here in the Whitworth, with the view of the genteel park, laughing students strolling past, couples sharing almost the same chair as they cling close and whisper over coffee. The mayhem of Mata’s professional world seems miles away. It’s scarcely three.

He holds a copy of his book published today, Juan Mata, Suddenly a Footballer, My Story (Reach