Manchester United Would Be Foolish To let Juan Mata Go

Juan Mata’s Manchester United contract runs out at the end of this current season.

It’s now being reported that the Red Devils are stepping up their efforts in getting the Spaniard to sign a new longer deal.

Personally, I think it makes complete sense for Man Utd to keep the thirty year old international.

He might not be an automatic starter under current boss Jose Mourinho but his experience has still been vital for the team this season.

Mata has started just six times in the Premier League/Champions League this term (plus he’s also made six substitute appearances) and in those games he’s scored twice and created an assist. Those contributions have been needed as he scored a freekick that helped United beat Juventus in Turin, he scored the first as Man Utd fought back to beat Newcastle United and his assist helped Luke Shaw secure the winner over Leicester City in their first win of the season.

That shows you that the small Spanish maestro can produce game changing moments and Man United need as many of those types of players as possible at the moment.

Juan’s great at keeping possession for his side; in the league he has a passing success rate of 88.9% and in Europe that goes up to 94.1%. He’s also composed enough to keep calm and that helps him keep the ball, even in pressured situations.

The former Chelsea and Valencia man is also efficient in the crossing department and that’s why you’ll often see Jose playing Mata out on the right flank during important fixtures.

He isn’t blessed with great pace but that will actually work in his favour as he gets older because he has a superb footballing brain, possess great vision and can pass brilliantly. While others lose certain talent as their speed declines, Juan will still be able to influence games because he’ll always have that footballing intelligence.

As he has proven this term, the veteran attacking midfielder is also one to watch when it comes to taking direct set-pieces. His goals against both Juve and Newcastle were from direct from free-kicks. He stepped up and curled the ball expertly just beyond the goalkeepers with left footed shots. That’s another quality most team’s are crying out for.

Mata has a vast amount of experience and he’s also well liked within the United dressing room. He’s a determined character and always seems to want to show that he’s trying when on the football park. That’s why Manchester United need to try and keep him at Old Trafford.

He’s also a man that understands that the United faithful deserve more from this current Man Utd team:

“I’m very happy for the team, for us, but especially for the fans. They don’t deserve everything that is going on, so they deserve to see a team like today.”

Yes he won’t start every game but he still has the talent and the attributes that mean he can change games even the important ones and I’m not sure the Red Devils can let that kind of player just walk away on a free.

 

Leave a Reply