Juan Mata has signed a new contract extension at Manchester United.
United confirmed the news on the club’s official website. Mata’s new deal is for one year, running to 2022.
Spanish newspaper Sport had previously reported this would be at reduced wages.
Mata signed for United in 2014 from Chelsea for £37.1 million. The Jadon Sancho deal pushes him down to the club’s ninth most expensive ever signing.
Controversial move
Mata is a popular player but the decision is not going to be a universally liked one.
The Spaniard is a well respected individual, but it is hard to see what the plan is here.
Mata started only six Premier League games in the 2020/21 season.
He also played only 32 minutes of the Europa League campaign.
The decision is an oddity bearing in mind that the likes of Shola Shoretire and Hannibal will be among the young players pushing for first team minutes.
At 33 he still has two or three years left in him. If Mata was 35 and was looking to retire at United and join the coaching staff, this would be easier to understand. But unless he wants to end his playing career early, or United keep handing him extensions, club and player will eventually have to part ways.
Are there positives?
Mata can be a good influence on the younger players behind the scenes, even if he ends up taking first team minutes away from them. Long term it may be of benefit.
Even in his limited minutes Mata had his moments last season, with an oustanding display in a 4-1 away win at Newcastle.
Mata also linked up well with Donny van de Beek in early season matches.
If one of United’s objectives is to use Bruno Fernandes less to prevent burnout, then Mata can play a role.
It may also be than Hannibal ends up being sent out on loan, which may require Mata being needed as cover.
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