The Spaniard is the longest-serving players in the current United’s squad. His contract will be up in July, leading to speculation that an exit is likely.
United manager provided an update on Mata’s future in his Fulham pre-match conference. The Norwegian revealed that while a decision hasn’t been reached yet, both parties have kept an open dialogue to decide the player’s future.
“I’ve kept the dialogue with Juan and we’re due to speak again very soon,”
“Of course, he’s not played as much as he’d like and that’s a decision that we’ll make with him. He’s in charge of his own future and he’s been such a good servant for the club.”
Solskjaer said.
The Manchester United manager put the onus on the player, stating that he has to decide the next step in his career – whether that means continuing at Old Trafford or leaving in search of more game time.
“It’s about what does he want as his next step in his career?”
Is it [to] still play out his career here, or is it going somewhere else?
“We haven’t made a final decision yet.”
he said.
Mata joined Manchester United in January 2014 from rivals Chelsea in a then club-record transfer fee. In his seven years at the club, the Spaniard has made over 250 appearances for the first team and scored fifty goals.
He has won one FA Cup, EFL Cup, Europa League, and Community Shield each during his time with the Red Devils. However, the attacking midfielder was unable to replicate his success at Chelsea with United – with whom he lifted the UEFA Champions League in 2012.
