Juan Mata’s future was one of the first debated topics when Jose Mourinho was announced as the new Manchester United manager. The pair have a difficult history going back to their Chelsea days. Mourinho sold the Spanish playmaker claiming that he did not fit into his system at a time when Mata had won the Chelsea Player of the Year title in back-to-back campaigns. Mata was expected to be the first casualty when Mourinho looked at his squad at Old Trafford. During the first few weeks of the campaign, it indeed looked like the case.
In the Community Shield, Mata had to go through the embarrassment of being a substitute who was substituted. He was later played out on the wings when clearly his best position was the number 10 role. In a remarkable turnaround of events, Mata has become the main man at United by dispossessing Wayne Rooney from the starting line-up.
Mata has been so influential in United’s play over the last few games that the club are now considering to offer him a new long-term contract. United have failed to win any game without Mata even if the Spaniard does not contribute directly with a goal or an assist.
Mata’s existing contract runs out at the end of next season, thus making him a potential target for other clubs in the summer. Even though he is fast approaching 30, a player of his quality and stature will feel attractive to any club when he has just 12 months left on his contract. In order to avoid such a tricky scenario, United are reportedly preparing a new four-year contract for the midfielder. Since his arrival in 2014 for £37 million, the 28-year-old has been an exemplary professional.
Last season was probably his best to date, as he managed to be an ever present personnel in almost every competition – by making 54 appearances – while also contributing 10 goals. The Spaniard now needs only eight games to reach the landmark of 100 league appearances for United. His inability to hold down a regular spot has cost him a place in the national team. The 28-year-old has made only two appearances for the Spanish national team in 2016. However, this recent run of good form is bound to see him recalled to the national team for the next round of World Cup qualifying games in November.
Mata’s finest performance to date came in the win over Leicester City a few weeks ago. After contributing a goal and an assist, the midfielder went off to a great ovation from the home crowd. It is highly likely that the Spaniard will be in the starting line-up for the upcoming heavyweight clash with Liverpool at Anfield on October 18.