Why handing Juan Mata a new deal is the right move by Manchester United
According to the Daily Star, Manchester United are ready to hand Spanish midfielder Juan Mata a new three-year deal at the club. The 30-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Manchester United paid Chelsea £37million to land the Spaniard in 2014 and he has since played a significant role in their side. It was Jose Mourinho who sold Mata from Chelsea at the time but the midfielder has a good reputation with the manager at Old Trafford.
He is a fan favourite at the club as well and handing him a new contract is a right move by the Red Devils. Mata is one of the most experienced players in their side and one of the few left in his generation. He has scored a total of 49 goals and provided 49 assists in 231 Premier League appearances.
The 30-year-old possesses unique technical ability on the ball and can play in a wide number of positions given his versatility. Manchester United have made a terrible start to their season this time out, which has seen them drop out of the title race at such an early stage.
Mourinho did bring in new signings over the summer but none has made a significant difference to the side. Mata, though he may not possess the pace and energy he once did, is still capable of picking the passes and playing his game.
He is an able creator and can pop up with the goals as well. Mata scored a very important goal for the Red Devils in the league this season. He has also provided 1 assist in 10 appearances for Manchester United this campaign. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)
The likes of Paul Pogba, Fred, Alexis Sanchez have all been disappointing and keeping Mata will only help maintain stability in the future. Given his versatility, Jose Mourinho can also tinker with his formation in a number of ways to accommodate the Spaniard.
The Spanish midfielder is probably one of the few players in the squad who is capable of picking the passes and creating chances in the final third. Manchester United have a number of players who are out of contract in the summer and though they may not need to hold onto a majority of those players, keeping Juan Mata is a must.