Juan Mata ‘set to earn a surprise new 12-month deal at Manchester United’ with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to retain services of ‘highly respected and experienced’ midfielder at Old Trafford despite lack of playing time
- Juan Mata joined from Chelsea in 2014 for a then club-record £37.1million
- The midfielder has gone on to play 267 times for the club, scoring 50 goals
- He’s struggled for game-time this season, starting just four times in the league
- He was expected to be released on a free transfer at the end of the season
Juan Mata is in line to earn a one-year contract extension at Manchester United despite limited game time at the club.
The Spanish midfielder has been at Old Trafford since January 2014 when David Moyes bought him from Chelsea for a then club-record fee of £37.1million.
The 32-year-old was a regular in his first few years at United and even played 37 times last season, but he’s seen his opportunities diminish this season, playing just 12 times across all competitions.
Juan Mata is set to earn a surprise new 12-month contract extension at Manchester United
He was expected to be released on a free transfer, but according to the Daily Star, United have decided to trigger a one-year extension that will allow them to sell him, with the Spaniard believed to be valued at around £5million.
It’s a situation that works for both club and player. Mata is thought to be a highly respected and experienced player in the dressing room, and he has business interests in Manchester, including owning a restaurant.
It means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s juggling act will continue in an already packed midfield. Donny van de Beek has only started twice in the league this season, while Jesse Lingard will be looking to force his way back in to the side after his recent form for West Ham.
The midfielder has struggled for game time this season, starting just four times in the league
