5 Manchester United players who need to be moved on in the summer

#3 This could be Juan Mata’s last season at Manchester United

This could be Juan Mata's final season at United.

It is safe to say that Juan Mata is as good a player as he is a human being. He arrived at Manchester United in the January transfer window of the forgettable 2013-14 season under David Moyes.

A lot was expected from the former Chelsea Player of the Year, and it will be unfair to say that he has not delivered. He has had some brilliant performances over the years, especially in the UEFA Europa League in 2016-17.

However, much like his former Chelsea colleague, Mata has left his best behind him. Having played a total of 171 minutes in the 2021-22 season, it is evident that the Spaniard is not in the discussion for regular appearances at Old Trafford. He does not carry the pace and the versatility to match the physical prerequisites of the English Premier League.

There are several players ahead of him in the attacking midfielder position, the most notable of which is Bruno Fernandes. Although he can play on the right or left-wing, it is unlikely that the Spaniard will overcome Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho for the position. Mata is, therefore, surplus to requirements, with the club looking at a more galvanized youth-oriented setup.

Although there have been talks that Mata has settled himself within Manchester with his restaurant business, among others, flourishing, and he is also likely to be offered a coaching role within Manchester United, it will only materialize when he decides to hang up his boots.

His contract is due to run out in the summer of this year, and it is improbable that Manchester United will offer him a fresh one. With interest from certain Spanish clubs last season, he could make his services available and United will most certainly let him go.

Mata could finish his playing career on a high in his homeland and return once he retires to resume his life in Manchester. He could even become a member of the coaching staff at Carrington.

It remains to be seen what he decides to do.