MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 21: Juan Mata of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on November 21, 2020 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Martin Rickett - Pool/Getty Images)
According to Mirror, Juan Mata has been linked with an exit from Manchester United. His former club, Valencia, are interested in the player. Mata is considering his options after barely featuring this season. An immediate exit might not be on the cards but one looks likely in the summer.
Juan Mata was perhaps a huge coup for Manchester United during those tumultuous times for Manchester United. The diminutive playmaker was one of Chelsea’s best players during his stay at the club. However, Mata never became a central part of Manchester United.
There were always more expensive or famous players who hogged the limelight while the Spaniard did his job quietly. Despite being a pure No.10, Mata has often been shunted to the right wing in order to accommodate another attacking midfielder and fill the void on the right.
While he hasn’t enjoyed the same level of success at Old Trafford, he has managed to rack up over 250 games and has contributed to 97 goals (50G + 47A). Mata is one of football’s most decorated players who has won some of the biggest trophies there are.
For over 8 years, Mata has kept his head down and did what was required of him at the club. With so many midfielders at Manchester United currently, Mata is really not a part of the starting XI these days.
He has often been called up to play the cup competitions or fixtures where the first-choice players were rested. However, the World Cup winner still remains a useful player for United.
While it would seem logical to let go of a 32-year-old who sporadically features for the team, Manchester United lack quality in their second-string side. Juan Mata is one of the few players who stands out among them.
He is a senior figure in this young United side and his experience and creativity are valuable assets. Often in cup games this season, Mata has produced a moment of magic to push United to the next round. With the Europa League knockouts and FA Cup to negotiate, Manchester United need Mata to stay at the club at least until the end of the season.