Juan Mata believes Manchester United's victory over Real Madrid capped off a "positive" pre-season tour of America despite the negative headlines.
Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho finally had something to smile during what has been a difficult pre-season about as Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrera scored the goals in a 2-1 friendly victory over Real Madrid.
It was their first win after three draws and a heavy 4-1 defeat to Liverpool, while Mourinho's constant grumbles throughout the tour surrounding Anthony Martial, Antonio Valencia, lack of spending and the absence of World Cup stars, raised more than a few eyebrows.
But in an interview with ESPN FC about the tour, Mata said: "I always feel positive. Obviously we didn't have a lot of our players but I think it was a good experience for the kids to train with the manager, to train with us and to learn what Manchester United represents.
"We have had fantastic support from U.S. fans always and now we come back to Manchester ready. We have another game in Munich but [we are] already thinking about Leicester."
Mata, who set up Sanchez's goal against Real, added: I think we competed well especially after the accumulation of minutes that some of us have, but I think it was positive. A positive game. A good experience for the boys that came in the second half so [I am] happy."
Mata was also asked about the returning World Cup stars to the side and added: "Personally, I've been here [in the U.S.] since the beginning. I have the memory when I played World Cups, Confederations Cups, European Championships, you want to come back and be ready, but let's see.
"I think we have some players already in Manchester training. Victor [Lindelof]. Let's see how Nemanja [Matic] recovers. Marcus [Rashford], Romelu [Lukaku], Paul [Pogba] they will come soon so whoever is ready to play will give everything and obviously we want to start the Premier League with three points against Leicester."
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