Pranav Nair
Manchester United keen to install Juan Mata as a future board member at Old Trafford
According to Sport (h/t Express), Manchester United are keen to keep Spanish veteran Juan Mata at the club, even after he has hung up his boots.
The midfielder joined United from Chelsea in 2014 and has since been a loyal servant to the club. He has since made 273 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 51 goals and 47 assists. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Mata has struggled for game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and made just 18 appearances all season. Despite the limited role, United are keen to keep the player on beyond this summer.
The Spaniard’s contract expires at the end of the season and United need him to take a pay cut in order to stay put. Mata will need to forego £70,000 on his £170,000-a-week to earn £100,000-a-week according to the new terms. Whether he is willing to accept the new terms remains to be seen.
While United are keen to keep him on as a backup for another season, he may have a bigger role to play in the years to come. This is because the club believes his reputation and knowledge of the game makes him an ideal candidate to join the board.
While one aspect of his journey at United is coming to an end, yet another may yet be taking shape.
If it were to happen, Mata will join the likes of Solskajer and Darren Fletcher who both hold key positions at the club. The Scot was appointed as the technical director earlier this year.
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It has been an emotional year for the Spaniard, who lost his mother Marta Garcia. The Spaniard celebrated his goal against Wolves on the last day of the Premier League season by dedicating it to her.
While Mata will not be expected to play a major role on the field next season, his experience and know-how will be of huge value to the United squad. Solskjaer is building a young team that could benefit greatly from Mata’s vast understanding of the game.
