Mata’s potential new role
Juan Mata could be offered a coaching role at Manchester United – if he calls time on his playing days this summer.
Mata is in the final few months of his contract, and there have been no discussions as yet on getting another 12 months.
There has been interest from Spanish clubs and also in Italy, but that would almost certainly mean taking a huge hit on his near £170,000-a-week wages.
And with United planning another behind-the-scenes shake-up in the summer, Mata’s knowledge and experience have put him in the frame to be part of it.
The Spanish midfielder has had another bit-part playing role this season, and he has already been spoken of for an ambassadorial position.
But Mata, 33, has started taking his coaching badges and a management course, which has convinced some he should be handed a more technical role instead.
