World Cup winner Juan Mata signs new two-year deal with Manchester United

Manchester United have confirmed that Spanish midfielder Juan Mata has signed a new two-year contract with an option to extend for another year.

The 41-times-capped international has spent the past five-and-a-half years with the Old Trafford club since joining from Chelsea midway through the 2014-15 season.

It’s the longest the former Real Madrid Castilla, Valencia and Blues midfielder has spent at any club, and his current contract will take him to seven-and-a-half years in Lancashire.

Mata has won the UEFA Europa League, League Cup and FA Cup during his time at Old Trafford, scoring the equalising goal against Crystal Palace at Wembley in the FA Cup decider.

Mata was a member of the Spain squad that lifted the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, and was also involved in the Euro 2012-winning team two years later, scoring in the 4-0 final win over Italy.

“Juan is the ultimate professional and one of the most intelligent players I have worked with,” said manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“He is a great example to our younger players in his approach. He understands what it means to be a Manchester United player and has embraced everything about this great club.

“As well as everything he brings on the pitch, we have some fantastic young players here and I know that Juan’s vast experience will help them to reach their potential over the coming seasons.

“I am delighted that he has signed a new contract, as I know that his talent and mentality will be invaluable to the squad.”

Mata added: “It is a real honour to continue to represent this amazing club and our incredible fans. I have been at Manchester United for five years and I am proud to call Old Trafford my home.

“I am looking forward to working with Ole and his fantastic coaching staff; the vision that they have for the club is truly exciting and I am so happy that I will be a part of that.”