Juan Mata: Our rivals 'cannot buy' the history Manchester United have

Juan Mata has warned Manchester United’s Premier League rivals that they “cannot buy” the history the Old Trafford giants have.

United are preparing for another pre-season tour of the USA with planned matches against Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain set to draw huge crowds stateside as the club look to build their global fanbase.

And the Spanish playmaker has been taken aback by just how many fans United have around the world. Mata told the club’s official website: "It was unbelievable to see how many supporters we have in the United States and even when we were playing teams like Real Madrid, we had more supporters than them. It’s amazing to feel fans in the States are with us.

“I think it’s very nice to know that the American fans are trying to learn more about the history of the club. We love them and thank them a lot because we can feel their support even from overseas and hopefully we can see a lot of them this summer.

“I think what's surprised me most about the club is to feel that wherever you go, even when you go on holiday to a quiet place, you always find Man United supporters. It’s something that you do not expect in some countries, yet we have them all around the world.”

Mata also had a warning for rivals who look to compete with United when it comes to building fanbases abroad.

"Manchester United is a special and unique club because of its history,” he said. “No-one has won as many trophies as we have in the English league. That history is something that you cannot buy. I think this club has a lot of great history and I feel very proud to be part of it.”