Juan Mata, one of the longest-serving players at the club, extended his stay at Manchester United earlier this month by signing a one-year extension. Mata was due to be released this summer upon the expiry of his contract but is now set to stay for another season.
Mata joined the club from Chelsea seven years ago in a controversial deal, with the London club at first demanding Wayne Rooney to go the other way. Instead, Rooney signed a new contract at Manchester United and Mata left Jose Mourinho’s side.
Since then, the Spaniard has scored 51 goals for the club, including in a cup final and two against Liverpool at Anfield, cementing his status as one of the fan-favourites at Old Trafford.
“I feel really happy and excited and fresh and energised for a new season,” Mata told ManUtd.com after signing his new deal.
“I didn’t know that it was the ninth [season] already, but time flies. Of course, I’ve lived many good moments at this club, other difficult ones, but yes, I’m staying and I’m very much looking forward for what I hope will be a good season for the team and for myself.”
Having turned 33 earlier this year, Mata is not expected to be a weekly starter under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and is likely to take up a bit-part role instead.
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