We now have the second official Manchester United transaction of the summer transfer window (third if you consider Ander Herrera confirming he won’t be back next season) with the announcement of the Juan Mata contract extension today.
The addition of winger Daniel James was the first. Maybe bringing over Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace will be the third? We’ll see, but for today, midfielder Juan Mata will stay a red, as the 31-year-old midfielder has inked a deal that will keep him at the club until June 2021. The deal includes a club option for an additional season on top of that.
We can confirm Juan Mata has signed a new contract with #MUFC.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 19, 2019
Juan Mata said, via a club statement: It is a real honor 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.
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.
A statement attributed to manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer reads: Juan is the ultimate professional and one of the most intelligent players I have worked with. 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.
As well as everything he brings on the pitch, we have some fantastic young players here and I know that Juan’s vast experience will help them to reach their potential over the coming seasons. I am delighted that he has signed a new contract, as I know that his talent and mentality will be invaluable to the squad.
With Herrera moving on, Paul Pogba wanting out and United having not added a new midfielder this summer, keeping Juan Mata was certainly a move made out of necessity. Regarded as one of the nicest guys in the beautiful game, his presence in the dressing room certainly helps.
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