Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken positively about midfielder Juan Mata shortly after the Spaniard penned a new contract with the side. The 31-year-old was previously due to leave the club on a free when his deal expired at the end of the month but he has now signed a new two-year contract with the option for another season.

Speaking on the club’s official website, Solskjaer spoke about the professionalism of the former Chelsea man and said that the midfielder will provide valuable output on and off the field in the forthcoming campaigns, he said: “Juan is the ultimate professional and one of the most intelligent players I have worked with. He is a great example to our younger players in his approach.

“He understands what it means to be a Manchester United player and has embraced everything about this great club. As well as everything he brings on the pitch, we have some fantastic young players here and I know that Juan’s vast experience will help them to reach their potential over the coming seasons. I am delighted that he has signed a new contract, as I know that his talent and mentality will be invaluable to the squad.”

Mata has not been able to secure regular gametime over the past couple of seasons but he has still proved a quality squad player, who can make the difference from the bench. The Spaniard has spent the past five-and-a-half seasons with the Red Devils and during this period, he has amassed 45 goals while contributing a further 37 assists across all competitions.

Apart from Mata, United have also been in discussions with goalkeeper David de Gea over a new long-term deal but so far, they have not found the breakthrough. The shot-stopper has just 12 months remaining on his contract and the club must decide whether to sanction his sale or risk him for the final year of the deal.