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    Report: Manchester United Start Contract Talks with Juan Mata and Ander Herrera

    Matt JonesFeatured ColumnistNovember 12, 2018

    Manchester United's Juan Mata, left, celebrates with Manchester United's Ander Herrera after scoring a goal during the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
    Dave Thompson/Associated Press

    Manchester United have reportedly opened contract talks with Juan Mata and Ander Herrera.

    According to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, with both players' deals set to expire at the end of the season, United are concerned about the prospect of the two Spaniards speaking with clubs from overseas in January, with a view to agreeing a pre-contract.

    As such, it's reported United have started negotiations with both players' representatives over possible new deals.

    Per Luckhurst, Mourinho recently said he was hoping that Mata and Herrera would agree extensions.

    "I hope they will stay," said the United boss. "We had a similar conversation last season about Marouane [Fellaini] and I was always saying I hope he stays, I believe he stays. I say the same. I hope they stay. Of course, I am happy with the players."

    MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Jose Mourinho the head coach / manager of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ro
    Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

    So far this season, neither Mata nor Herrera have been regular first-team players for United, but at times they have shown they still have something to offer.

    Mata scored a brilliant free-kick in the UEFA Champions League win over Juventus for the Red Devils, levelling the scores up before United went on to snatch a 2-1 win. 

    Per Liam Twomey of ESPN FC, at times the former Chelsea man has been a bright spark for United in what has been an otherwise difficult campaign:

    Report: Manchester United Start Contract Talks with Juan Mata and Ander Herrera
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    Liam Twomey @liam_twomey

    Mata deserved so much more than to end up doomed to forever being post-prime Mourinho’s saviour.

    Herrera, meanwhile, faces a lot of competition for places in midfield, with Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Fred and Fellaini also in contention for spots. However, the former Athletic Bilbao man is someone Mourinho regularly turns to in big games, as he's renowned for his tenacity and energy in midfield.

    The 29-year-old has emerged as a leader for the Red Devils in recent years too and as noted by Paul Hayward of the Daily Telegraph, he isn't shy of sharing his opinions to the referee either:

    Paul Hayward @_PaulHayward

    Ander Herrera would have made a good court room lawyer. He’s a passionate seeker of justice in games.

    The Spain international recently spoke about the unique demands that come with playing for United:

    Goal UK @GoalUK

    Playing for Manchester United brings a different type of pressure, according to Ander Herrera. https://t.co/dshrwjwYdO

    According to Luckhurst, the Red Devils are also looking to tie Ashley Young down to another year, with his deal also set to run out following the 2018-19 campaign.

    While some eyebrows will be raised at the prospect of Young staying on, it'd make sense for United to keep both Herrera and Mata around.

    Neither are players who represent shoo-ins in United's best XI, but in certain matches and certain situations they bring a lot to the table. Plus, if either player was available for free at the end of the campaign then there'd be plenty of suitors for the pair.