Mata hopes for '40 goals and 40 assists' from Fernandes next season
The Spaniard spoke to MUTV after returning to the city to launch an art exhibition at the Manchester International Festival and backed United to turn their form around.
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"Well, first of all, I hope that everyone can play good and everyone can bring the club to what I believe it deserves to be," Mata said. "It course, it has been a tough season and everyone was really excited about the [Europa League] final, which I watched from Australia, with the time difference.
"I was as sad as everyone with the final result.
"But I think and I really hope that next season is going to be better. I think the team is good. The coach has just barely arrived and I wish him the best. He is young, he has intensity and passion. And I hope he will do very, very well."
Mata remains friends with former United team-mate Bruno Fernandes and believes captain will be instrumental in shaping the club's future.
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"Of course, I love Bruno," Mata said. "We speak a lot and I'm trying to always be there for him.
When you are winning and everything is going well, it is easy to be surrounding him. When things are not going well, is where I try to be there for him.
"I really hope that, next season, he scores 40 goals and he gets 40 assists, and is the MVP of the league.
"I think he's instrumental for the present and for the future of the club."
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