Juan Mata has jokingly told Bruno Fernandes he 'will have to be patient' in his pursuit of the No 8 shirt at Manchester United.
The Spaniard agreed a one-year contract extension with the Red Devils earlier this month after his previous deal expired at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old's ninth season at the club will likely see him hold onto the squad number, much to the disappointment of Fernandes who has been eyeing his favourite shirt, which he previously wore at Sporting CP.
But Mata confirmed he has no plans to give up the squad number, telling his team-mate he will have to wait slightly longer to convert from 18 to eight.
After he was asked how long Fernandes might have to wait before making the switch, Mata laughed: 'At least another year!
'I think he's happy that I'm staying and I'm happy to be playing with him. We've got a great relationship since he came and, of course, he's been brilliant for us on and off the pitch. He's also a great guy and an example for others.
'Unfortunately for him, he will have to be patient!'
After United announced his extension, Fernandes posted a cheeky message on social media saying: 'I guess I’ll have to wait for the number 8 another year...
'Congrats brother!! Well deserved! An example and an inspiration on and off the pitch'
The Spaniard arrived from Chelsea under David Moyes in 2014 and enjoyed a successful period at Old Trafford winning the Europa League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Community Shield.
He has been a peripheral figure more recently under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after only 18 appearances last season but appears to be a popular man in the dressing room.
In total, Mata has made made 273 appearances for the club, scoring 51 goals in all competitions.
Chocobo
0
I plan to buy a new Jersey with Mata s name before he retires.
zukdnotu
1
well deserved nice one
Rhema10
0
Mata has no matter in this squad matter
Astr1xXD
0
Mata you have been in Manchester for a while but you need to pass on to the younger
zazcinou
0
who's gonna tell Martial he needs to take off our no. 9 jersey? give it to Cavani and give the no. 7 to sancho
[image]
no
Unitedforlife6
5
who's gonna tell Martial he needs to take off our no. 9 jersey? give it to Cavani and give the no. 7 to sancho
jaedlory
2
it's only Jones, martial and mata plus matic they are still important in a team. tell who is exactly the backup of matic position? there is no one yet...
TareYeLomLij
1
for pare season game
zahhar
0
Why is Mata there still ?? I don’t get it. If you want him to coach with no experience then let him coach but why pay the guy over 100k a week when he doesn’t fit into the squad. He must know he is stopping youth getting there shot. Matic to be re signed.... ?? When will he use him ? Especially if we get Camavinga. Then Lingard ??? Where will Lingard get a run ??? Phil Jones ??? Just crazy if we have Varane come in and have Tuanzebe there, Lindelof will be main cover, Mengy is out on loan. We have a number of players that can be sold. We don’t play Donny all last year or Mata really and we re sign Mata. It’s incredible to be honest. Our wage list and who is on it still is just stupid. Not to mention 500k pounds on two goalkeepers a week !!! A week !!!!! 2 million pounds a month to have a goalkeeper headache !!!!! Sign De gea to five years then up Henderson to 140k snd extend him as well ???? That is insane !!! They are supposed to all be business men ??? WTF !! Could have sold him with a sensible buy back clause after 3 years and let him get experience and use De gea through these still prime years of his. We will now pay 60-70 % of his contract to play for someone else. That kills me !!!! A club great. I love Mata, but he won’t use him, or Lingard, or Jones, De gea, Matic, James...... But we re sign anyway.... Wow !!!!!!!!!!
i can understand ole wants to keep him, probably more because of his presence to the team than his football. its good to have experience players. but players like de gea, lingard, jones, martial, they need to let go. especially de gea. you cant have a goalkeeper, 2nd highest earner in the team, not playing every game.
zahhar
0
Why is Mata there still ?? I don’t get it. If you want him to coach with no experience then let him coach but why pay the guy over 100k a week when he doesn’t fit into the squad. He must know he is stopping youth getting there shot. Matic to be re signed.... ?? When will he use him ? Especially if we get Camavinga. Then Lingard ??? Where will Lingard get a run ??? Phil Jones ??? Just crazy if we have Varane come in and have Tuanzebe there, Lindelof will be main cover, Mengy is out on loan. We have a number of players that can be sold. We don’t play Donny all last year or Mata really and we re sign Mata. It’s incredible to be honest. Our wage list and who is on it still is just stupid. Not to mention 500k pounds on two goalkeepers a week !!! A week !!!!! 2 million pounds a month to have a goalkeeper headache !!!!! Sign De gea to five years then up Henderson to 140k snd extend him as well ???? That is insane !!! They are supposed to all be business men ??? WTF !! Could have sold him with a sensible buy back clause after 3 years and let him get experience and use De gea through these still prime years of his. We will now pay 60-70 % of his contract to play for someone else. That kills me !!!! A club great. I love Mata, but he won’t use him, or Lingard, or Jones, De gea, Matic, James...... But we re sign anyway.... Wow !!!!!!!!!!
so, sign him for the next 10 years
BrandonHarland
2
the money we used for players like Mata Jones lingard matic we could us to get people like camavinga varane
Ezeabata01
0
full of humility
mzeereal
4
Mata the master. Bruno has no problem. Even the number 18 is a legendary jersey
HorladipsOpe
0
thanks dude@bruno fernadez
Widbknor
2
same article everyday 😢😢
Viampsuy
1
Why is Mata there still ?? I don’t get it. If you want him to coach with no experience then let him coach but why pay the guy over 100k a week when he doesn’t fit into the squad. He must know he is stopping youth getting there shot. Matic to be re signed.... ?? When will he use him ? Especially if we get Camavinga. Then Lingard ??? Where will Lingard get a run ??? Phil Jones ??? Just crazy if we have Varane come in and have Tuanzebe there, Lindelof will be main cover, Mengy is out on loan. We have a number of players that can be sold. We don’t play Donny all last year or Mata really and we re sign Mata. It’s incredible to be honest. Our wage list and who is on it still is just stupid. Not to mention 500k pounds on two goalkeepers a week !!! A week !!!!! 2 million pounds a month to have a goalkeeper headache !!!!! Sign De gea to five years then up Henderson to 140k snd extend him as well ???? That is insane !!! They are supposed to all be business men ??? WTF !! Could have sold him with a sensible buy back clause after 3 years and let him get experience and use De gea through these still prime years of his. We will now pay 60-70 % of his contract to play for someone else. That kills me !!!! A club great. I love Mata, but he won’t use him, or Lingard, or Jones, De gea, Matic, James...... But we re sign anyway.... Wow !!!!!!!!!!
sicenopsz
0
Why is Mata there still ?? I don’t get it. If you want him to coach with no experience then let him coach but why pay the guy over 100k a week when he doesn’t fit into the squad. He must know he is stopping youth getting there shot. Matic to be re signed.... ?? When will he use him ? Especially if we get Camavinga. Then Lingard ??? Where will Lingard get a run ??? Phil Jones ??? Just crazy if we have Varane come in and have Tuanzebe there, Lindelof will be main cover, Mengy is out on loan. We have a number of players that can be sold. We don’t play Donny all last year or Mata really and we re sign Mata. It’s incredible to be honest. Our wage list and who is on it still is just stupid. Not to mention 500k pounds on two goalkeepers a week !!! A week !!!!! 2 million pounds a month to have a goalkeeper headache !!!!! Sign De gea to five years then up Henderson to 140k snd extend him as well ???? That is insane !!! They are supposed to all be business men ??? WTF !! Could have sold him with a sensible buy back clause after 3 years and let him get experience and use De gea through these still prime years of his. We will now pay 60-70 % of his contract to play for someone else. That kills me !!!! A club great. I love Mata, but he won’t use him, or Lingard, or Jones, De gea, Matic, James...... But we re sign anyway.... Wow !!!!!!!!!!
u seriously know nothing about football obviously. wit a talented player like mata who has won almost all the major trophies who could inspire and the d young once in d squad u would just let him go shey.
Suuadmrtyz
0
Why is Mata there still ?? I don’t get it. If you want him to coach with no experience then let him coach but why pay the guy over 100k a week when he doesn’t fit into the squad. He must know he is stopping youth getting there shot. Matic to be re signed.... ?? When will he use him ? Especially if we get Camavinga. Then Lingard ??? Where will Lingard get a run ??? Phil Jones ??? Just crazy if we have Varane come in and have Tuanzebe there, Lindelof will be main cover, Mengy is out on loan. We have a number of players that can be sold. We don’t play Donny all last year or Mata really and we re sign Mata. It’s incredible to be honest. Our wage list and who is on it still is just stupid. Not to mention 500k pounds on two goalkeepers a week !!! A week !!!!! 2 million pounds a month to have a goalkeeper headache !!!!! Sign De gea to five years then up Henderson to 140k snd extend him as well ???? That is insane !!! They are supposed to all be business men ??? WTF !! Could have sold him with a sensible buy back clause after 3 years and let him get experience and use De gea through these still prime years of his. We will now pay 60-70 % of his contract to play for someone else. That kills me !!!! A club great. I love Mata, but he won’t use him, or Lingard, or Jones, De gea, Matic, James...... But we re sign anyway.... Wow !!!!!!!!!!
Over 100k a week ??? I know he wants to coach but they should have him coaching and not filling a squad spot when he won’t use him ?? I know he is a veteran player but i wish united would bring in some established coaches as well.... All jobs for mates internally.
KaustubhJagtap
0
Why is Mata there still ?? I don’t get it. If you want him to coach with no experience then let him coach but why pay the guy over 100k a week when he doesn’t fit into the squad. He must know he is stopping youth getting there shot. Matic to be re signed.... ?? When will he use him ? Especially if we get Camavinga. Then Lingard ??? Where will Lingard get a run ??? Phil Jones ??? Just crazy if we have Varane come in and have Tuanzebe there, Lindelof will be main cover, Mengy is out on loan. We have a number of players that can be sold. We don’t play Donny all last year or Mata really and we re sign Mata. It’s incredible to be honest. Our wage list and who is on it still is just stupid. Not to mention 500k pounds on two goalkeepers a week !!! A week !!!!! 2 million pounds a month to have a goalkeeper headache !!!!! Sign De gea to five years then up Henderson to 140k snd extend him as well ???? That is insane !!! They are supposed to all be business men ??? WTF !! Could have sold him with a sensible buy back clause after 3 years and let him get experience and use De gea through these still prime years of his. We will now pay 60-70 % of his contract to play for someone else. That kills me !!!! A club great. I love Mata, but he won’t use him, or Lingard, or Jones, De gea, Matic, James...... But we re sign anyway.... Wow !!!!!!!!!!
Mata is at United for helping youngsters to get to their potential ......he helps them in their growth...shares the experience .....how to adapt, react , change the gameplay in various instances in the game...he has load of experience which are useful for our youngsters .
Suuadmrtyz
0
huan Mata. The King.🤩🤩
Juan Mata is good as well mate !! He even plays for Man United. Who does Huan Mata play for ?? Is that a brother or cousin of Juan or something???? 😂😂😂 King Huan 👑😂😂👑
Suuadmrtyz
0
Mata should of went back to La Liga Ole barely uses him & United getting more younger midfielders so y he staying just for the money because he only getting League Cup games
100% Even then he is taking chances from Hannibal, Shoretire, Diallo !!! He gets paid a lot of money for no games. He must have pictures of Ole or the Glazers up to no good ?? 😂😂
Suuadmrtyz
0
The innocent one at United
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Ole won’t play him.
Suuadmrtyz
0
man utd
[image]
So they will bench $ 85 million Harry Maguire yeah ??? And Greenwood is a deadly striker but you change him with a specialist right winger. You need Sancho crossing to Cavani. That’s not Greenwood’s game. He will cut in and shoot more often than he takes on down the line and crosses. You think Pogba stays ??
Suuadmrtyz
13
Why is Mata there still ?? I don’t get it. If you want him to coach with no experience then let him coach but why pay the guy over 100k a week when he doesn’t fit into the squad. He must know he is stopping youth getting there shot. Matic to be re signed.... ?? When will he use him ? Especially if we get Camavinga. Then Lingard ??? Where will Lingard get a run ??? Phil Jones ??? Just crazy if we have Varane come in and have Tuanzebe there, Lindelof will be main cover, Mengy is out on loan. We have a number of players that can be sold. We don’t play Donny all last year or Mata really and we re sign Mata. It’s incredible to be honest. Our wage list and who is on it still is just stupid. Not to mention 500k pounds on two goalkeepers a week !!! A week !!!!! 2 million pounds a month to have a goalkeeper headache !!!!! Sign De gea to five years then up Henderson to 140k snd extend him as well ???? That is insane !!! They are supposed to all be business men ??? WTF !! Could have sold him with a sensible buy back clause after 3 years and let him get experience and use De gea through these still prime years of his. We will now pay 60-70 % of his contract to play for someone else. That kills me !!!! A club great. I love Mata, but he won’t use him, or Lingard, or Jones, De gea, Matic, James...... But we re sign anyway.... Wow !!!!!!!!!!
Shauny300
4
Mata should of went back to La Liga Ole barely uses him & United getting more younger midfielders so y he staying just for the money because he only getting League Cup games
katura
1
You barely hear about this guy in a bad way he such a great role model
Yeah man he's a respective person
katura
0
Lol but okay we hear that and we respect you Mr Mata😂😂
Cbeh7
3
You barely hear about this guy in a bad way he such a great role model
Temdmnst
2
puru_22
1
Bruno has confirmed to club that he won't wear no.8 until it is reserved for Penaltea 😂😂
Remaeopuy
1
man utd
Kadiekanu
2
The innocent one at United
ash710
2
BRUNO WILL TAKE THE NO. 8 ONLY WHEN MATA WANTS HIM TO TAKE
Youngmula2020
1
Mata have another plan for Bruno Fernandes
Ronysohan
4
One of the collest Player❤Juan mata
Johnny241asiwaju
4
Mata a true legend both in Chelsea and man United……. Player with quality
zeoabilmyz
3
Juan Mata , the best on and off the pitch , fan's favorite , having good time with another fan's favorite Bruno Fernandes , enjoy your moments guys 👏
EsseinEssein
4
MATA's Presence MATTER... Diallo to learn more from him
Kiwcklnpsz
2
huan Mata. The King.🤩🤩
lented
2
The connection is real indeed ...💯