Manchester United want Spanish maestro to extend stay: Why letting him leave is not a bad option

The rebuilding process at Manchester United will begin this summer under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with several players rumoured to be on the chopping block as the Norwegian sets about overhauling an underperforming squad.

Juan Mata, a fan favourite at Old Trafford and one of just two signings under David Moyes, could leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires. Mata has been a bit-part player for United in yet another disappointing season for the club, scoring 5 goals and registering 2 assists in his 30 appearances for the club this season.

Manchester Evening News have reported that Manchester United have offered the 31-year-old a one-year deal with United having the option to add another year to his contract.

Manchester United offer Juan Mata a new contract: A Wise Move?

The Spanish attacking midfielder hasn’t been first-choice under Mourinho or Solskjaer this season and hasn’t made a big impact in the games that he has played. Mata has always been a willing professional, putting the team ahead of himself, often being played out of position while also being defensively steady, and is adored by the Old Trafford faithful.

But at 31 years of age, Mata may not have a lot to offer at Manchester United. The Red Devils are crying out for a consistent attacker who can take on opposition defences fearlessly, and someone who can also bring goals from midfield.

Solskjaer doesn’t employ a formation that suits Mata’s preferred central role, while United have better options out wide with the likes of Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, and Marcus Rashford, while it is uncertain what Alexis Sanchez’s future looks like at Old Trafford. Solskjaer is also rumoured to sign a quality wide player in the summer which means that Mata will drop further down the pecking order and only add to the wage bill.

If Mata leaves Manchester United at the end of the summer, he will not be the only one walking out of Old Trafford on a free transfer. Club captain Antonio Valencia is set to leave the club at the end of the year at the expiry of his contract which ends his 10-year stay at Old Trafford, while Mata’s compatriot Ander Herrera, is also rumoured to be leaving the club, with Paris Saint-Germain his rumoured destination.