Juan Mata Contract Extended by Manchester United Until June 2019
Manchester United have triggered a 12-month extension in Juan Mata's contract, tying the Spain international to the club until June 2019.
News of the extension was announced by the club's official website, with the Red Devils preventing the player leaving on a free at the end of the season.
When United boss Jose Mourinho was appointed in 2016, there were concerns Mata may be on his way, as the coach had previously agreed to sell the midfielder during his time in charge at Chelsea. But the Spaniard appears to have won over his manager.
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There were times during Mourinho's first season in charge when United relied heavily on the former Valencia man. Journalist Liam Canning lamented his absence late in the 2016-17 term:
There's nothing too flashy about the way in which Mata operates. He's not the most explosive footballer, nor is he a player who will pull off too many tricks. But he has become crucial to United.
On the ball he consistently makes smart decisions. Mata is clever in tight spaces, knows when to release possession and can dribble his way out of trouble. Crucially for Mourinho, he can perform in different positions, whether that be on the flanks or in the No. 10 berth.
Additionally, Mata has proved himself as a man for the big occasion, consistently chipping in with important goals and assists.
Journalist Andy Mitten noted how Mata has become part of the fabric at the club:
Now 29, the Spaniard is in the peak years of his career, and based on this new extension, Mourinho wants Mata to give his best to the Old Trafford side.
How frequently Mourinho uses Mata in the 2018-19 season will be a storyline to follow. There is plenty of competition in the attacking-midfield positions at United, and he will need to perform well to beat the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial to win a place in the XI.
But Mata has gone from a player Mourinho doesn't trust to a footballer who is so dependable under pressure. This extension is an emphatic sign of renewed faith.
