Mata urges Pogba to stay at United
● Spaniard believes midfielder is happy at club and can be a major influence
Juan Mata hopes “fantastic and influential” midfielder Paul Pogba will remain at Manchester United and help turn the city red again.
Three years after returning to Old Trafford in what was a world-record £89 million deal, the 26-year-old has admitted he is open to “a new challenge somewhere else”. Those comments sent tongues wagging, as did agent Mino Raiola speaking about his client’s desire to leave amid interest from Real Madrid and Juventus.
But Pogba has knuckled down during United’s pre-season tour and was in good spirits at an adidas event in Singapore’s Marina Bay on Sunday.
The World Cup winner told the crowd that any aspiring footballers looking to reach the top should take a leaf out of Mata’s book – and the admiration is clearly mutual.
“Paul is a fantastic midfielder and he’s a very good guy, very positive, good influence for everyone,” Mata said. “I think he’s happy, he brings everyone together. As a team-mate, and as a friend also, I would like him to stay and to be happy because he is a very good player for us.”
Pogba is not the only United player whose future is under scrutiny, but there is no doubt about where Mata’s future lies.
The 31-year-old was out of contract at the end of last season and talks over an extension had long been at an impasse, but a deal was struck to extend his stay with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side until at least 2021.
“There were some options to go to a different club, but the feeling of being a Manchester United player is so unique,” Mata said. “I am very happy to stay here. I am dreaming about winning big trophies at this club.
“I am very happy to extend my time in Manchester. I am very happy in the city, so it is all great and I am proud to be a player of this club.”
Upon renewing his contract, Mata said he wanted to turn the area back red after Manchester City’s recent dominance. Reminded of that comment, he said: “Hopefully. We want that. This club has won more trophies than any other club in England. We want to win big trophies again.
“That is what the history of this club deserves. That is what the fans deserve. “We know we have to improve. We know we have to do a better season than last season.”
There does appear to be a growing belief within United that they can get back to challenging for trophies in the coming years.
David De Gea appears set to sign a new, long-term deal, which would be a welcome boost for Mata, who has already seen one compatriot depart this summer when Ander Herrera left for Paris St Germain. “David is the best or one of the best goalkeepers in the world for sure,” Mata added. “He is one of my best friends, so I want him to stay. On a professional level, it will be great for us because he will give us many points over the next seasons.
“Ander is a good friend also. I am sad to see him leave but as a friend I wish him the best and I hope he is happy in Paris now.”
Meanwhile, Nicky Butt has been named as United’s head of first-team development.
The 44-year-old, who made 387 appearances for United and had been head of the club’s academy, said: “Manchester United is in my DNA and this is a very proud moment for me as I take on this new role.
“I am passionate about nurturing, developing and coaching the talent we have here to become top players at this club.”
Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward believes the restructure will help United’s young stars make the step up to the first team.
He said: “These changes will further enhance the excellent work and results we have seen over many decades in our academy system and enable us to continue our proud traditions of producing world-class players capable of playing and excelling in the first team.”