Juan Mata could be coming to the end of his spell at Manchester United.
The Spaniard turns 34 next month and is unlikely to be offered another contract, according to The Athletic.
This doesn’t come as a surprise because United need an overhaul in midfield and we should be looking to get rid of ageing players like Nemanja Matic and Mata. That will give the next manager a chance to start building for the future.
The Athletic adds that James Garner, who has impressed on loan at Nottingham Forest, aims to be part of United’s midfield next season.
Garner’s performances in the FA Cup suggest he stands a very good chance, holding his own in games against Premier League sides like Arsenal, Leicester City and Liverpool.
However, Mata has been a fan favourite since joining the club in 2014 so it will be sad to see him go.
While he never reached the heights of his Valencia and Chelsea days, the World Cup winner will be fondly remembered for his brace at Anfield in 2015.
The brilliance of Mata’s second goal in that game means no-one tends to mention his first – but it was just as good. Right in front of The Kop too.
United had some good times with Mata but we didn’t win enough silverware. He was still part of teams that won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.
Lovely bloke. Should have left years ago. Has barely played the last couple of seasons.
His time at united sweet me past memphis depay’s time
I hope man utd is good next season but new manager