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Juan Mata was never in danger of leaving Manchester United as he continues to flourish under Jose Mourinho.

The United boss claimed he arrived at Old Trafford last summer with a plan for the Spaniard he sold from Chelsea in 2014.

Mourinho revealed United’s style of play was a main reason why his relationship with Mata would be different this time around.

Juan Mata celebrates with his boot in his hand after it came loose while scoring on Saturday

United manager Jose Mourinho heaped praise upon the playmaker after the victory

The 28-year-old scored the first during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Watford and impressed again in behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

‘When I came here people thought Mata was in trouble but I knew he wouldn’t be in trouble,’ Mourinho said.

‘One thing was the football I wanted my Chelsea to play and the other thing I want my Manchester United to play.

‘Mata has adapted to the football I want to play. I knew since the beginning he would be an important player.

‘I think he feels that confidence in me, that confidence in the game we want to try to play. So he is happy. He is happy on the pitch and you can see it the way he plays.’

Luke Shaw, meanwhile, has been told he might have to wait a little longer before fighting his way back into Mourinho’s plans.

Mata (centre) opens the scoring during Saturday's 2-0 win over Watford at Old Trafford 

Mata (right) shakes hands with Mourinho after the final whistle in the Premier League clash

The England left back was left out of the weekend squad again, with the versatile Matteo Darmian preferred among the substitutes.

Shaw’s only appearance since November came against Wigan in the FA Cup last month, something partly down to injury.

‘He has to work and wait,’ Mourinho said. ‘He is fighting hard. There is no problem with him.

‘I wanted one defender on the bench and the defender is someone who can play in more than one position.

‘Damian can play left back, right back and an emergency central defender for us so my choice was Damian. Luke doesn't have any problem. The only thing I can say is that he is working well.’

Luke Shaw (right) might have to wait a little longer before getting back into Mourinho’s plans