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Published 16:33 8 Aug 2016 BST
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However, BBC pundit Murphy isn't buying Mourinho's reasoning, and argued that the substitution is a sign that the United boss is attempting to push the Spanish playmaker out of Old Trafford.
Mata joined United in January 2014 from Chelsea, after losing his place in the first-team when Mourinho was manager. Murphy predicts history to repeat itself at United.
"You don't do that unless you are trying to send a message," the former Liverpool midfielder told the BBC.
"They have a lot of history at Chelsea and he has embarrassed him in front of his supporters and his family. "He is basically saying to him 'you are not important' and he has done it publicly. I can't see him still being at the club at the end of August."

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