Mata Extends Man United Stay By Two Years

By Max Wise

Juan Mata has signed a new two-year contract with Manchester United that will expire in the summer of 2021 with the option for a further year.

Mata’s current contract was due to expire at the end of this month, and having already seen Ander Herrera and Antonio Valencia exit Old Trafford following the end of their contracts, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has moved swiftly keep hold of the experienced Spaniard.

Mata was signed for Manchester United by David Moyes in January 2014 from Chelsea for a then club record fee of £37m and he has gone on to make 218 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 48 goals.

32 of Mata’s appearances for Manchester United came last season and he scored six goals in all competitions as the Red Devils finished in 6th place and missed out on a place in the Champions League.

In what appears will be a busy period for Manchester United in the transfer market, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has cited Mata’s professionalism and influence in the dressing in his decision to keep him at the club.

"Juan is the ultimate professional and one of the most intelligent players I have worked with. He is a great example to our younger players in his approach,” Solskjaer said of the 31-year-old world cup winner.

"He understands what it means to be a Manchester United player and has embraced everything about this great club.

"As well as everything he brings on the pitch, we have some fantastic young players here and I know that Juan's vast experience will help them to reach their potential over the coming seasons.

"I am delighted that he has signed a new contract, as I know that his talent and mentality will be invaluable to the squad."

Mata, who has won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League in his time at Old Trafford added: "It is a real honour to continue to represent this amazing club and our incredible fans. I have been at Manchester United for five years and I am proud to call Old Trafford my home.

"I am looking forward to working with Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] and his fantastic coaching staff; the vision that they have for the club is truly exciting and I am so happy that I will be a part of that."