Manchester United see Juan Mata as a future board member and the club are keen for him to stay despite his contract expiry date being this summer, according to reports in Spain.
Sport claim Mata, 33, is still viewed as having a role in the squad after making just 33 appearances in the Premier League last term, however, it’s important to note what a challenging year it has been off the pitch for the Spaniard.
Another contract means Mata will have spent nine years at Old Trafford – and he’s been one of the better signings of the post-Ferguson era. I recall the excitement as he arrived in Manchester via helicopter.
It wasn’t enough save David Moyes was from the predictable axe, but Mata has scored some important goals down the years — including a wonderful brace at Anfield.
I certainly wouldn’t be against Mata staying another year and playing games here and there. Even in the Europa League final against Villarreal, I was really surprised he didn’t come on earlier… before extra-time.
WE win and WE lose. Always together. Always with you. @D_DeGea @ManUtd 🔴 pic.twitter.com/xLVjLrpCZo
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) May 27, 2021
On top of all that, I would imagine Ole Gunnar Solskjaer likes having Mata around the dressing room because he’s always been a fantastic professional. The question is how often can will he contribute next season?
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Mata obviously commands a lot of respect from the younger players. He is probably like a father figure. Sir Alex always had senior players in the dressing room. It would be smart move to keep Mata around.
Pos Team Pld GD Pts
1 Arsenal 0 0 0
2 Aston Villa 0 0 0
3 Brentford 0 0 0
4 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 0 0
5 Burnley 0 0 0
6 Chelsea 0 0 0
7 Crystal Palace 0 0 0
8 Everton 0 0 0
9 Leeds United 0 0 0
10 Leicester City 0 0 0
11 Liverpool 0 0 0
12 Manchester City 0 0 0
13 Manchester United 0 0 0
14 Newcastle United 0 0 0
15 Norwich City 0 0 0
16 Southampton 0 0 0
17 Tottenham Hotspur 0 0 0
18 Watford 0 0 0
19 West Ham United 0 0 0
20 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 0 0