Juan Mata will leave Manchester United as a free agent this summer.
As the fans react to the news and say goodbye to brilliant ambassador of the beautiful game, most can accept that he is has not played a lot of football in the past two seasons and it probably makes sense to start fresh as the club welcomes a new manager.
That is not to say I don’t think Mata would’ve worked out under Ten Hag, even if he was to play a bit part role throughout the season, but I have no doubts that the Dutchman rates the veteran playmaker. At 34, it’s probably best to move on.
Mata could return to his homeland in Spain or test the waters out in the MLS. Either way he will be welcomed wherever he goes after an incredible career at the top of the game.
We took a look at how United fans were reacting to the news on Twitter and here are some of the best tweets.
I'll miss Juan Mata. Adding an Europa League and an FA Cup to his resume isn't bad after all. I'll never forget that acrobatic finish at Anfield and that free kick goal against Juventus at Turin.
— @ChisomApril🇳🇬 (@iknowAprilmufc) May 31, 2022
🎶 Who's the greatest player in the Premier League 🎶#MUFC confirm that Juan Mata will leave the club at the end of June 🇪🇸
What's your favourite Juan Mata moment? pic.twitter.com/JvndWxaHDX
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) June 2, 2022
All the best to Juan Mata. A fine human. pic.twitter.com/vGTuxxsJRc
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) June 2, 2022
Breaking my social media sabbatical to pay tribute to @juanmata8
It is a select number of players we can say we were lucky to have because of who they are as people.
Manchester United have been lucky to have you, Juan. You have been a credit to the club and your profession. pic.twitter.com/gG17nonPYU
— Wayne Barton (@WayneSBarton) June 2, 2022
Thank you for everything and best of luck in your future career, @juanmata8 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/07X70MdIju
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) June 2, 2022
For me Juan Mata is probably in our top 3 signings post Sir Alex Ferguson.
One of the true professionals of the game. pic.twitter.com/t9jW6qup13
— Paul, Manc Bald and Bred (@MufcWonItAll) June 2, 2022
Juan Mata, nothing but class since day one from him at United. Oozes class, both as a professional and as a human. Sad to see him go but 100% the right decision by the club.
Hope Juan is back at United in some capacity in the future. Good luck whatever you do next Juan. https://t.co/hVr0caRnUH
— United Peoples TV (@UnitedPeoplesTV) June 2, 2022
Juan you are true human a true professional and a good footballer we have seen your full commitment even when the team was struggling wish u well juan8