Manchester United: Fans laud Juan Mata after reports emerge of rejected £18 million contract offer

A number of Manchester United fans have been heaping praise on Juan Mata for his commitment and professionalism after reports emerged that the Spaniard turned down lucrative contract offers from Saudi Arabia this summer.

Mata has been on the fringes of United’s first-team squad at the start of the campaign, with the Spaniard not yet featuring for the Red Devils in the Premier League, but he has made two appearances in the Carabao Cup so far, registering two goals and an assist, as per Sofascore.

The arrival of Donny van de Beek has pushed Mata further down the pecking order at Old Trafford. However, it has now emerged that the 32-year-old was subject to a contract offer of around €16 million (£14.5 million) from a Saudi Arabian-based club, as per AS.

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The Spaniard rejected that offer and then also turned down a further contract offer of around €20 million (£18 million) as the versatile midfielder seemingly chose to commit himself to United, at least until the January transfer window, unless something unexpected emerges in the last few days of the domestic window.

Many United fans were keen to point out that Mata had shown his commitment to the club and to playing at a higher level by rejecting the offer, while some fans even touted him for a potential coaching role when he eventually leaves Old Trafford.

United fans react to Mata contract offer rejection.

https://twitter.com/Calebxz/status/1315723016718950401?s=19

Surely can’t be the only one who thinks this guy is still good enough to play i mean he wouldn’t be playing any worse than rashford or greenwood right now needs a chance

— jamil ali (@jali41221556) October 12, 2020

Love this guy,what a pleasure having him at the club. He still has class and can do a job off the bench when a game needs a bit of magic.

— Gar 🇮🇪 🇾🇪 (@Grogan0) October 12, 2020