Manchester United's Spanish schemer Juan Mata has put pen to paper on a contract extenstion that will keep at Old Trafford until 2021 - so let's take a look at his stats for the Red Devils.
Signed from Chelsea in the January transfer window of 2014, Mata has had mixed fortunes at United since arriving during the ill-fated reign of David Moyes.
The Red Devils' struggles in the wake of Alex Ferguson leaving the club have been well-chronicled and Mata has found himself in and out of favour under the subsequent regimes of Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and José Mourinho. However, the Spaniard has impressed the current incumbent at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and earned himself a new two-year deal.
In terms of Mata's productivity. it is not hard to see why Solskjaer is keen to keep him onboard. Since he joined United, he has scored 33 goals and supplied a further 21 assists - meaning only Wayne Rooney (47 goals and 29 assists) has been involved in more goals since the Spaniard arrived. Not bad at all for someone many consider to be a bit-part player.
A further breakdown of Mata's contribution shows that, unsurprisingly, the majority of his Man Utd goals have come from his talented left peg: 25 of them to be precise. His ability from dead-balls is also evident: 6 of his strikes for the Red Devils coming from direct free-kicks.
📝 Most involved in @ManUtd goals (Premier League; fr. 28/1/2014*):
— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) June 19, 2019
76⚽: Rooney (47G, 29A)
54⚽: 💥@juanmata8 (33G, 21A)💥
49⚽: Martial (34G, 15A)
47⚽: Pogba (24G, 23A)
41⚽: Rashford (27G, 14A)
* Juan Mata's debut for #MUFC (2-0 win v Cardiff City) pic.twitter.com/pPu35wFzum
Speaking about Mata's new deal, United boss Solskjaer said:
“Juan is the ultimate professional and one of the most intelligent players I have worked with. 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.”
Because the feeling of being a @ManUtd player is something very special. Unique. I’m really proud to sign a new contract and keep trying my best to bring the club back where it belongs. 🔴⚪⚫🙏🏼❤ #MUFC pic.twitter.com/9IORMF73EU
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) June 19, 2019