Sports

Mata extends Man Utd stay to 2021

Published

5 years ago

June 19, 2019

Manchester United tied down midfielder Juan Mata to a new two – year contract on Wednesday with an option to extend the deal a further season .

Mata , 31 , had been free to talk to other clubs with his previous contract expiring this month after protracted negotiations between the two parties.

However , having already seen Ander Herrera and club captain Antonio Valencia leave Old Trafford on free transfers this summer, United were keen to stop Mata from following suit.

“ 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 , ” said Mata , who joined from Chelsea in 2014 for a fee of £ 37 million ( $ 46 million ) .

“ 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 . ”
In his five years at United , Mata has scored 45 goals in 218 appearances and won the Europa League , FA Cup and League Cup.
Solskjaer has a major rebuild on his hands after United finished sixth in the Premier League last season to miss out on Champions League qualification .

“ Juan is the ultimate professional and one of the most intelligent players I have worked with , ” said Solskjaer.

“ He is a great example to our younger players in his approach . He understands what it means to be a Manchester United player and has embraced everything about this great club . ”

United have only made one signing so far this window in securing the services of Wales winger Daniel James from Swansea .
( AFP )