Pranav Nair
Spanish veteran Juan Mata signs new Manchester United contract
According to Manchester Evening News, Spanish veteran Juan Mata has signed a new deal to keep him at Manchester United for another season.
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)
The new terms will come as a boost for the 33-year-old who was keen to stay on at the club. Despite his limited opportunities under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he will stay on at United for another season. He made just 18 appearances last campaign.
Solskjaer bolstered the United attack with the addition of Jadon Sancho earlier this week. With Edinson Cavani and now Mata staying on for another year, we have strength in depth in addition to their experience.
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 club’s board. Whether that comes true remains to be seen. (h/t Express)
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. It would appear he has not yet played his last game for the club.
No surprises
Mata’s stay will come as no surprise to fans who kept an eye on the club’s official website yesterday. Despite his contract running out on June 30, United failed to remove his name from the list of first-team players. The same cannot be said of the others, whose names were promptly deleted.
Lee Grant was also not deleted from the list of players despite also being a free agent. Whether he too will pen fresh terms remains to be seen.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United make a contract offer for Juventus ace Cristiano Ronaldo
- Declan Rice rejects West Ham contract offers amidst Manchester United interest
- Manchester United yet to de-list Juan Mata and Lee Grant despite their contracts expiring
Jesse Lingard is also expected to hold talks on his future next week. The 28-year-old has entered the last year of his contract and will be a free agent next year. Whether he stays on at United or seeks a new challenge elsewhere remains to be seen.
