Although Manchester United struggled this season, their young midfielder James Garner had a campaign to remember on loan at Nottingham Forest.
The England youth international, 21, played 49 games in all competitions to help Steve Cooper's side win promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs - beating Huddersfield 1-0 in the final at Wembley. He is now poised to break into United's first team.
Few Red Devils fans saw Garner's rise coming, yet Juan Mata was aware of his quality. The veteran midfielder backed the youngster to become a success in an interview with United's website in November 2020, describing him as a 'clever' and 'positive' footballer.
"I’ve played with some top, top players," said Garner. "I have to say Juan Mata is class. Everything about him – his touch, his pass, how he speaks to you on and off the pitch – he’s just a real nice guy."
Responding to those comments, Mata said: "He is a good friend, that’s why he speaks so well of me! I always thought he is one of the players who, if he keeps going and keeps improving, in the way he was doing in the Academy, he can be a very, very good midfielder.
"I really like him; the way he plays on the ball, his cleverness, his way of looking forward, looking for a pass and also his attitude off the ball. So, whenever he was here, I always tried to encourage him and said what I believed he could be as a player.
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"I always tried to motivate him and give him confidence as I think, when you’re that age, you need confidence and trust - not only from the manager but also from your team-mates. I wish him all the best at Watford and I am sure he will do well. He’s a great guy and a very good player, as I’ve said before, because he keeps improving every day."
It's unclear whether Garner will be part of Erik ten Hag's plans for next season. United have already said goodbye to two central midfielders this summer in Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, while there are question marks over Fred and Scott McTominay.
"The whole idea of a loan is to show everyone what you can do, get better and put yourself in the best possible position to go back to your parent club," said Garner ahead of the play-off final. "I don't know what that will consist of at the moment, but I feel like I've given myself the best possible chance to go in and do my best.
"I came to Forest when they were low down in the league, but playing week in and week out has been really beneficial. The overall feel around the club, the staff, the fans - everyone associated with Forest have made me feel welcomed from day one.
"As a player I've developed a lot. Everyone says this league [Championship] is probably one of the hardest in the world. You learn a lot from playing against good teams and experiencing a lot of good battles.
"I've also been alongside teammates who have played in the Premier League and they've shared a lot of advice with me, so I'm lucky to have had this opportunity and it's definitely put me in good stead for the future."
