The former Chelsea attacking midfielder smashed in the equalizer for a 10-man United in their FA Cup final clash against Crystal Palace at Wembley, before Jesse Lingard powered a screamer from 16 yards to seal the Red Devils 13th FA Cup title. Since then—up until the last season—the 33-year-old has seen his stock risen significantly at Old Trafford.
Earlier this year, Mata was rumoured with a move away from Man United. Reports floating around at the time hinted his future at Old Trafford was up in the air due to his lack of game time.
Though more reports further revealed that Man United wanted him to stay a bit longer, however, talks over that crashed with Italian outfit Lazio said to be waiting in the wings to swoop him up.
Mata's new Man United deal will see him remain at the club until 2022. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is hugely fond of the Spaniard, has expressed his delight over the new development.
The last season saw Mata's Premier League game time cut back to nine games due to injuries and illness to his mother, Marta Garcia, who passed away in March. However, with the new season approaching and a new deal in the bag, the Spaniard could see his game time increased.
Mata is widely admired by Man United fans and, despite his limited game time last season, his influence in the dressing room and among United's young players has been hugely commended. According to Solskjaer, the 33-year-old fleet-footed Spaniard is highly valued at United.
Mata joined United in 2014 after a three-year spell at Premier League rivals Chelsea and has racked up a total of 189 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils till date.
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