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Transfer News: 33-year-old Manchester United ace expected to leave for free this summer

Juan Mata in action for Manchester United. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Juan Mata in action for Manchester United. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Transfer News: Manchester United star Juan Mata expected to depart the club in the summer

According to Dermot Corrigan of The Athletic (Subscription Required), Manchester United star Juan Mata is expected to leave the club at the end of the season for free when his current deal expires.

Mata moved to United in the January transfer window in 2014 as one of David Moyes’ marquee signings since he took over from Sir Alex Ferguson earlier in the year as the new manager of the Manchester side.

However, his long stay with the Red Devils could be coming to a close in the summer as several La Liga clubs have enquired about the availability of the midfielder once his contract at Old Trafford runs out at the end of the term.

Manchester United's Spanish midfielder Juan Mata could depart in the summer for free. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United’s Spanish midfielder Juan Mata could depart in the summer for free. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite the interest from his homeland, it is said that Mata could look to continue playing in a different league in a different country. Thus far, he has played his career in Spain and England, proving to be a success in both top-flights.

Confusion over Mata’s chances

The Spaniard has won titles at both the international and the club level, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 Euro. In England, the player has won the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup, with the latter two trophies won at United.

The ex-Chelsea man is eyeing a move to one of Europe’s leading leagues, as he still feels he could make an important contribution, despite being 33. It is said that the player’s current situation at Old Trafford has confused a few people, as he has hardly been given a chance to contribute this term despite training very well and having no fitness issues.

Juan Mata could be set for a move to his homeland as several La Liga clubs have enquired about the star. (GETTY Images)
Juan Mata could be set for a move to his homeland as several La Liga clubs have enquired about the star. (GETTY Images)

For a senior player who is responsible for 51 goals and 47 assists for the Old Trafford outfit, his only appearances this season have come in a paltry four games. Fans of the player will argue that the Spaniard deserves much more playing time given his quality.

With Bruno Fernandes undroppable in the team, and Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga seemingly looking like they own the wide positions on the flanks, Mata has fallen down the pecking order due to the competition in the team.

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Often this season, the team has struggled to break down tight defences and play well against a low block. Mata’s ability to unlock gaps with his accurate left foot as we have seen countless times before was sorely missed, but he was never utilised by the manager in such situations.

If this indeed is his swansong season with us, Mata will always be fondly remembered by fans for his famous double against Liverpool at Anfield to condemn our bitter rivals in a 2-1 away win. One of his goals in the brace was a stunning bicycle kick, which cannot be forgotten that easily.

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