Juan Mata's decision to sign a new contract at Manchester United was surprising, says former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer.

The club confirmed at the start of the month that the 33-year-old attacking midfielder has agreed a new one-year deal, keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2022.

Mata found himself on the fringes last season, starting just six Premier League games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

And with Jadon Sancho, another attacker, swapping Borussia Dortmund for the Red Devils, it is hard to imagine Mata's fortunes improving.

Speaking exclusively to TT about the Spaniard's new contract, Palmer said:

"It surprised me that one, Juan Mata signing a new contract. Coming to the latter years of his career, surely he'll be wanting to play football?

"He played very, very little football last season and I never get that. If you know you're not going to be playing regularly, why would you stay at a football club?"

Mata is not the only United player who could be facing more competition this upcoming season.

The likes of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly could also be in for a real battle should the club land Real Madrid central defender Raphael Varane, who they are currently chasing, as Solskjaer looks to build a title-winning squad.