Jose Mourinho has talked up the importance of Juan Mata after Manchester United confirmed that they have agreed a one-year contract extension with the playmaker.
The Red Devils confirmed on Tuesday night that they had taken up the option to extent Mata’s contract at Old Trafford by a further year, until the summer of 2019.
Mata has been a regular fixture in the Manchester United team since his move to Old Trafford from Chelsea FC back in January 2014.
However, his future was believed to be in doubt following the appointment of Mourinho at Old Trafford in the summer of 2016.
But the Spaniard has proved a regular fixture in the team and Mourinho clearly views the attacker as an important player for his side.
Speaking to Manchester United’s website, Mourinho said: “Mata is very important. When I arrived one-and-a-half years ago, [they said], ‘Mata is in trouble, in trouble, in trouble’, and now he’s getting an extension of one more year.
“An important player for me, important player for the club, important player for the other players.”
Manchester United are currently preparing for their Premier League home clash against Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
The Red Devils are in second place in the Premier League table as they bid to try and get as close to leaders Manchester City as possible before the season is out.
Manchester United will take on Spanish side Sevilla in the last 16 of the Champions League later this month.