Manchester United are reportedly considering offering Juan Mata a role on their coaching staff.
Mata, who signed for United in 2014, is in the final few months of his contract and there have been no discussions as yet over an extension.
The 33-year-old has struggled for playing time this season with just four appearances in all competitions.
The Sun have reported that the midfielder could be offered a coaching role at Old Trafford should he decide to call time on his playing career at the end of the season.
It was previously reported that his contract situation had put several Spanish clubs on alert.
A number of LaLiga sides have made enquiries over the player who was last in the league back in 2011 with Valencia.
Mata has scored 51 goals and contributed 47 assists in 277 games for United and the Spaniard, who has won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, still feels he can contribute at the highest level.
With United planning a shake-up behind the scenes this summer, Mata’s knowledge and experience could be useful for the Red Devils.
He has already started taking his coaching badges and a management course, which has convinced some he should be handed a technical role.
The Sun have reported a United source has suggested that Mata can make a contribution to United in the future and could ‘follow a similar pathway’ as Mikel Arteta and move into management.
Mata has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season and has only featured twice under Ralf Rangnick.
Rangnick is interim manager until the end of the season when a new permanent manager is set to arrive.
Whoever the new manager at United will be, might have a say in Mata’s future
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