Spanish midfielder Juan Mata has admitted he is enjoying his time in the city of Manchester more than he did when he was in London.

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Mata, who grew up in sunny Spain, believes the city is not as gloomy and grey as everyone makes it out to be, and says there is a lot he still needs to explore.

"The best thing about living in Manchester is that it has a very 'British' atmosphere, very English," he told Spanish newpaper El Pais while on national team duty.

"And then there is the music – a lot of really big groups have come out of Manchester.

"As for the architecture, it's a very English city.

"There are galleries, museums, good restaurants – he only down side is the weather.

"I adapted really well because I had already lived in London.

"Now I've spent five years in England and it's gone really quickly.

"It only seems like yesterday when I was in Valencia. I'm really happy with how it's all turned out.

"London is fantastic – it's like various cities in, one but it moves so quickly, at a thousand miles an hour, it's a bit crazy.

"Manchester is more laid back, it's a normal city.

"I am very happy in Manchester. I have the feeling that I have only just arrived and I've got a lot of things I want to do."

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Mata has been in great form for the Red Devils this season, scoring four goals and assisting a further six strikes in his 13 appearances so far.

Do you think Mata is currently playing the best football of his life? Have your say in the comments section below.