Juan Mata rejects lucrative offer from middle east to stay put at Manchester United
According to Spanish publication AS (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United star Juan Mata has rejected a multi-million-pound offer from the Middle East.
The Spaniard has decided to forgo a small fortune in order to stay at Old Trafford. The offer is reported to be £18million.
The 32-year-old has been at United for almost seven years now. He signed an extension in the summer 2019 but has struggled for game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Mata has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford. He played a nominal role last season and is yet to feature in the Premier League this campaign.
The Spaniard’s appearances have been limited to the Carabao Cup this season. Having been subject to an initial bid of £11.5million per year, the offer was improved to £18m.
It represents a substantial improvement on the £8.3m he currently earns at United.
The report goes on to add that Mata is optimistic United will land a trophy at United this season. His belief remains unshaken despite the club’s poor start to the season.
Despite his largely peripheral squad role, Mata is held in high regard by United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
A celebrated player who has won some of the biggest trophies in football, Mata’s experience and abilities will act as a guiding light to the young players at the club.
Mata’s contract at Old Trafford runs until 2021, with the club having the option for another year. While his role at United may not be critical as it once was, he remains a potent player to call upon.
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Mata captained United to their 3-0 win over Brighton in the Carabao Cup. He put in a man of the match performance on the night at the Amex Stadium.
It shows he still has what it takes to compete when called upon.
