Manchester United are reportedly engaged in talks with Juan Mata and Ander Herrera regarding a contract extension at Old Trafford.
Both players’ deals are set to expire come the end of the season. United are concerned about the prospect of the two of their superstars speaking with rival clubs in January, over a potential pre-contract agreement.
However, it was reported the Red Devils have started negotiations with both players’ representatives over viable new deals. Jose Mourinho recently said he was hoping that Mata and Herrera would agree to extensions.
“I hope they will stay, We had a similar conversation last season about Marouane [Fellaini] and I was always saying I hope he stays, I believe he stays. I say the same. I hope they stay. Of course, I am happy with the players.
Juan and Ander, even if they are not playing or not playing a lot, not starting matches, by the personality point-of-view and character point-of-view, by what they represent in the modern society in football, they are almost unique pieces that I also don’t want to lose.”
The Spanish duo have spent the early part of the season on the fringes of Mourinho’s squad but when called upon, they have shown they still have a lot to offer. No wonder the United manager is keen to tie down their futures at the club.
Mata scored a brilliant free-kick in the Champions League win in Turin for Old Trafford outfit, leveling the scores up before they went on to snatch a 2-1 win against Juventus. At times the former Chelsea man has proved to be the creative spark for the United attack in what has been an otherwise difficult campaign.
Herrera, meanwhile, faces a lot of competition for places in midfield, with Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Fred, and Marouane Fellaini also in contention for spots.
However, the former Bilbao man is someone the Portuguese boss regularly turns to during big games, because of his renowned tenacity and energy in midfield. The 29-year-old has also emerged as a leader in recent times when needed on the field.
The 29-year-old, had been linked with a move to former club Athletic Bilbao in the summer, but he reiterated his desire to stay at Old Trafford.
“I am going to try to give everything in every training session and every game to deserve a new contract,” he said. “After that, we have to speak to the club and we will see. The contract will not come if I don’t give my best.
When you play for one of the top five clubs in the world, you don’t want to leave. You want to stay as long as possible.”
United are also looking to tie Ashley Young down to another year, with his deal also set to run out at the end of the campaign. This will raise certain eyebrows considering Young’s age.
However keeping both Herrera and Mata seems a no-brainer. But if either of them fails to sign a new contract, there are plenty of potential suitors for the duo.
