Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata felt David Moyes had no luck during his time in charge.
The Scot has this week been named new coach of Real Sociedad.
"He is a coach who had no luck here [at Old Trafford]," the 26-year-old told Cadena Cope.
"Obviously, replacing Sir Alex Ferguson is not easy. Not for him not for anyone.
"He was unlucky. He did not get the results we wanted and his spell ended sooner than expected."
Although their spell working together was brief, Mata revealed that he will always be thankful to Moyes for bringing him to United.
"I was with him just a few months but of course I will always be grateful to him because he played a key role in my move to United," he added.
"He was the one who called me, who received me and who gave me the confidence to come here."
