Manchester United’s summer planning is already well underway. Heck, it better had be given the monumental task Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has on his hands.
The Baby Faced Assassin certainly needs money to spend if he’s to change the Red Devils’ future into a more positive one, although a lack of Champions League football on offer could lead some players to leaving Old Trafford.
Amongst the guys who are out of contract is Juan Mata. After being in and out of the team, I wouldn’t be wholly surprised to see the classy 31-year-old walk away, but Solskjaer sounds pretty upbeat about the situation.
“He’s a fantastic person and a fantastic player. It’s up to him. I’ve had words with him and he knows how highly I regard him. He’s a top pro and let’s see if they manage to agree.” Solskjaer told Sky Sports News.
For the manager to personally speak to Mata about the situation, it shows how highly regarded the Valencia CF academy product is. It also lets Mata know that he has the backing of his gaffer which is a huge personal boost for him.
Although he’s lightweight, I still don’t think we have anyone with Mata’s intelligence and on-ball ability at the club and replacing his class, both on and off the field, won’t be easy.
I’d like to see Mata handed a two-year deal, tie him down for the foreseeable future and give him a real chance to prove his worth in that #10 slot; a role he flourished in during his time at Chelsea.
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