Juan Mata signed a one-year extension to his contract earlier this summer, ending rumours that the Spaniard was set to leave the club after eight years.
The upcoming season, set to begin in under three weeks time, will be Mata’s ninth at the club. The former Spain international signed from Chelsea in 2014 and has enjoyed a stellar stay at Old Trafford.
The 33-year-old is, however, not getting any younger and according to reports, he is planning for the future with the process of moving into a career in the dugout already underway.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Mata has begun taking his coaching badges and has also been offered a new ambassadorial role at the club when his playing time comes to an end.
If Mata was to take the role, he would join a long list of Manchester United fan-favourites to remain at the club in some capacity after leaving as a player.
The former Real Madrid and Valencia midfielder is out of contract next summer and despite his popularity in the dressing room, it’s fair to assume that this season will be his last as a player at the club.
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