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Man Utd star Mata targeting end to Spain exile under Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique's declaration of a clean slate for Spain is giving Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata hope his international exile may soon be over.

Mata, 30, has not featured for Spain since 2016 and was overlooked for the country's ill-fated World Cup campaign.

But the shock dismissal of Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament and recent appointment of Luis Enrique has led to a change in thinking that could see the playmaker return to the fold.

Former Barcelona boss Enrique has included both new faces and "players who have disappeared" on an initial 70-man shortlist for his first match in charge, a UEFA Nations League clash with England at Wembley Stadium in September.