Star midfielder who almost left the club to get a new contract extension at Old Trafford
Sep 28, 2016 at 10:24 AM
Manchester United were finally able to break their run of defeats in the Premier League with a thumping victory over the Champions of England this weekend.
Leicester City conceded 4 goals in an embarrassing first half as goals from Chris Smalling, Juan Mata, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford gave the hosts all three points from a 4-1 victory on the night.
One of the best performers for the club on the night was star midfielder Juan Mata.
The Spaniard, who was thrown out of Mourinho’s Chelsea a few years ago, was not in the plans of the manager even at United at the start of the season. But the lack of form of club skipper Wayne Rooney saw Mourinho give the 28-year old a chance to prove himself.
And prove himself he did by picking up a goal and an assist in less than 3 minutes at the end of the first half.
His impressive performance has given rise to rumors that Wayne Rooney may not be used anymore in the starting XI and that Mata should take his place in the side for crunch games.
The Spanish world cup winner has been linked with a move away from the club since the start of the summer transfer window but Mourinho could not find the right price to off-load him.
And reports today have suggested that Mourinho is planning to offer the 28-year old a new contract extension to keep the playmaker at the club in his prime.
This comes as a huge contrast from 3 months ago when Mata was deemed surplus to requirements at the club.
United scouted for a number of star players to bring to the squad in the summer but failed to get their men leaving the manager with the likes of Mata and Rooney to play in a playmaker’s role.
Mata took his first big opportunity to impress the manager and it is reported that he has conveyed his desperation to stay at the club with the manager.
The Spaniard is currently £130,000-a-week deal with two years left on his contract and it is believed that he is now settled at the club and is close to being offered a contract extension.
A United source said: “There have been talks, but Juan is still in the dark over his future at the club. He is desperate to stay and likes his life in the Manchester area. It is all down to Jose’s decision now.”
“United don’t want to leave this one rumbling though and are keen to sort it before the New Year.”
It will be interesting to see if Mourinho decides to keep Mata or wait for another top class playmaker to add to his squad in the next transfer window.
Do you think Manchester United should tie Mata down for a long-term contract?