Manchester United have handed midfielder Juan Mata a one-year contract extension on Tuesday, tying the playmaker to the club until June 2019. Mata joined from Chelsea in 2014 and has established himself as a key member of the squad under Jose Mourinho, who sold the Spaniard to United when Chelsea manager.
Mata has played an integral role in Mourinho's squad as his playmaking skills have been admired by all. The Spanish International was a part of the Portuguese's squad back in Chelsea. Former manager Lois Van Haal had brought the midfielder four years ago and since then the playmaker has added an offensive style of play at Old Trafford.
"When I arrived one-and-a-half years ago, (they said), 'Mata is in trouble, in trouble, in trouble,' and now he's getting an extension of one more year," Mourinho said. "An important player for me. Important player for the club. Important player for the other players."
With players such as Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Ander Hererra being the first names on the team sheet, Mata's starting days are mostly but over but Mourinho has always relied on the Spaniard to deliver.
Mata helped Mourinho's side lift the EFL cup, Europa League and the Community Shield in the 2016 season. The Spaniard has made 115 appearances for the Red Devils and has scored 24 goals.
(With AP Inputs)
