Pranav Nair
Spanish veteran Juan Mata keen to stay put at Manchester United
According to Manchester Evening News, veteran Spanish midfielder Juan Mata is keen to stay put at Manchester United this summer.
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, he appears keen to stay on at the Theatre of Dreams.
United have the option to keep Mata for an additional year and the club clarified earlier this month that they were still in discussions to extend his contract. While he will not be expected to play much, his presence will not just offer strength in depth but also serve as a mentor to the younger players. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is seeking to build a championship-winning team and could benefit greatly from Mata’s vast understanding of the game.
United will however 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 such a significant dip remains to be seen.
The Spaniard 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. (h/t Express)
If it were to happen, Mata will join the likes of Solskjaer and Darren Fletcher who both hold key positions at the club. The Scot was appointed as the technical director earlier this year.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United close in on Jadon Sancho with Borussia Dortmund ready to compromise
- Manchester United begin the installation of 1,500 rail seats at Old Trafford
- Rio Ferdinand slams Jose Mourinho for constantly being critical of Manchester United star Luke Shaw
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. Hopefully, it was not his coup de grace in red.
