Man Utd: Juan Mata is too good to be a bit part player says Hislop
Manchester United star Juan Mata is wanted by three clubs in La Liga, according to reports. The veteran made his last appearance at Old Trafford on Monday night, shining as his side beat Brentford 3-1. And it seems like a new challenge is on the horizon for the 34-year-old.
Man Utd news: Juan Mata is wanted by Real Sociedad, Real Betis and Valencia (Image: GETTY)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
They’ve previously raided the Premier League for players such as Adnan Januzaj and David Silva in recent years, with the pair both making positive impacts at the Reale Arena.
And Real Betis are also targeting the veteran as well as they look to build on their recent Copa del Rey success.
Mata, it seems, won’t be short on offers when he leaves United.
And it’ll be interesting to see what happens when his contract expires, with some reports previously suggesting the Red Devils wanted him to join their coaching staff.
Mata has been one of the rare successes at United in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Man Utd news: Juan Mata said farewell to fans at Old Trafford on Monday (Image: GETTY)
“I thought Juan Mata starting made a massive difference. The way he plays, he keeps the ball ticking, and gets into clever areas.
“Overall there was a lot more intent, more structure. Brentford had their moments, particularly with Christian Eriksen spreading the ball around, but I felt United were on top for the majority of the game.
“It was good to see at the last game of the season at Old Trafford, it was a much better performance and left us with something to feel more positive about ahead of next season.”
And he added: “Mata’s been a great servant to the club, but he came in at a difficult time.
“He joined under David Moyes, not long after Marouane Fellaini, which kind of summed up that the club didn’t really know what direction they were going in at that time.
Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here
Man Utd news: Juan Mata joined the club when David Moyes ruled the roost (Image: GETTY)
Trending
“They were two very different players, suited for vastly contrasted styles of play.
“Obviously he’s a fantastically gifted player, but he’s never quite found a role in the team.
“I think he’s a great character to have around, he seems hugely popular with his team-mates and the fans.
“Still, he’s maybe not hit the heights we would’ve expected after seeing him at Chelsea. He had a great reputation at Valencia too, and obviously he’s done it for Spain as well.
“He’s kind of in the mould of David Silva, even if he never quite hit those heights.
“He can hold his head high, he just wasn’t really at the club at the right time.”