Man Utd release two but remain in talks with Juan Mata

Robin Bairner

• 4 Jun 2021 11:40 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United have announced that they have released two senior professional players following the conclusion of the 2020/21 season, but they remain in talks with Juan Mata.

Mata, who moved to Man Utd from Chelsea in January 2014, had been tipped to be allowed to leave at the conclusion of his contract in June. However, he remains in talks with the club over a new deal.

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The same can also be said of veteran goalkeeper Lee Grant, who was another widely tipped to depart the Red Devils.

Not so lucky, however, are goalkeepers Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira, whose departures from the club have been confirmed by Man Utd on Friday.

Furthermore, numerous youngsters will not be offered fresh terms by the club. Jacob Carney, Mark Helm, Iestyn Hughes, Arnau Puigmal, Max Taylor and Aliou Traore have all been released.

Man Utd ready to keep faith in Mata

Mata was the most prominent name tipped to be on the group of released players who was not.

The 33-year-old Spanish attacking midfield, who previously turned out with Valencia and Chelsea, having come through the Real Madrid youth system, has featured on 273 occasions in the past for Manchester United, but was peripheral during the 2020/21 campaign.

Indeed, he played only 861 minutes in all competitions, albeit he mustered a goal and two assists in his nine Premier League outings.

For the most part, though, Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was content to use the veteran from the bench – and sometimes he would not even make that.

Mata, however, is considered to be an excellent role model and an excellent presence to have in the dressing room, which is one reason that Man Utd may consider prolonging his stay at the club if their talks prove fruitful.