MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYMAKER JUAN MATA CELEBRATES HIS RETURN TO ACTION BY DINING OUT AT TAPAS RESTAURANT OWNED BY HIS FATHER

Juan Mata made his return to Manchester United's squad following a groin injury

Mata was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Swansea at Old Trafford

Following his return, Mata spent the evening at the restaurant owned by his dad

The Spaniard could be vital in United's bid for Champions League qualification

 

Juan Mata returned to the Manchester United squad following a groin injury on Sunday

He then spent the evening at the Manchester restaurant owned by his father, Juan Mata Snr

MAILONLINE - Andy Warren

Juan Mata celebrated his return to the Manchester United squad by spending the evening at a tapas restaurant owned by his father.

 

The Spaniard has been sidelined with a groin injury in recent weeks but returned to the bench for the 1-1 draw with Swansea, at a time when the Red Devils are fighting to earn Champions League football next season and are hunting Europa League glory.

 

United were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Swansea on Sunday, after Gylfi Sigurdsson leveled after Wayne Rooney's penalty, with Mata letting off some steam later than evening as he dined at the Tapeo & Wine restaurant in the city.

 

The restaurant, part-owned by Juan Mata Snr, boasts of ensuring ingredients and preparation take central stage, with the Spanish international enjoying an evening out with friends before heading home a little before 8pm.

 

While there were fears Mata, who turned 29 on Friday, may be sidelined for the rest of the season, he recently hinted he may make an early return while writing on his blog and revealed he is desperate to help his side achieve their goals.

 

'As you can imagine, this month has been a bit too long for me due to my injury,' he wrote.

Mata was back in the United squad but was an unused substitute in the draw with Swansea

The Spanish playmaker has made 38 appearances for United this season, scoring 10 goals

'I have never been in a situation like this before (I've been very lucky), but the truth is I'm feeling much better now and I hope to be back with the team soon, to try to help in the last spell of the season.

 

'I hope so, because that's all I want: being available to help and to contribute as much as I can, both on and off the pitch.

 

'A million thanks for all your messages wishing me a speedy recovery, I'm getting close.' 

 

Next up for United is a Premier League visit to Arsenal on Sunday, before the first leg of their Europa League semi-final clash with Celta Vigo the following Thursday. 

The United fans were glad to see Mata return and wished him a happy 29th birthday for Friday

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4463360/Man-United-playmaker-Juan-Mata-celebrates-return.html