Mata answers question on future

The Spain international turns 34 later this month and there will be questions about his future, considering the one-year contract extension he signed at Old Trafford last summer expires in June.

Mata spoke to club media last month and he was asked about what he might do once his playing career ends.

The pledge-based Common Goal charity he set up in 2017 is something he’ll definitely remain focused on, but Juan insisted his thoughts at the moment are centred around on-pitch matters.

“Of course I will be involved with Common Goal because that’s something that goes beyond football,” our no.8 said.

“It’s something that will last for much longer and it will stay there after I stop and many members stop, but my mind is 100 per cent committed to playing.”

Mata admits he has featured less than he’d want to during 2021/22, with the recent cameo as a substitute against Atletico Madrid only his fifth appearance of the season.

But the former Valencia and Chelsea man still enjoys the daily work at Carrington and feels he has plenty to offer.

“I haven’t been playing as much as I would like this season and I really miss it,” Mata continued.

“I’m enjoying training with my team-mates and I really want to show that I can enjoy playing and giving what I can give to the team.

“I miss it and I still have a lot of passion and a lot of will to keep enjoying football.

“This is a dream come true to be a professional football player so I want to play as much as I can and I feel good, to be honest: mentally, physically, I am of course ready to perform, so hopefully soon.”