Fact of the Mata is Juan will leave United this summer

Manchester United have confirmed Juan Mata will leave Old Trafford as a free agent when his contract expires this summer.

The midfielder, 34, joined United from Chelsea in January 2014 and went on to make 285 appearances, scoring 51 goals and winning four trophies along the way. 

News of his impending departure follows hot on the heels of the club revealing Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard have also been shown the door. 

A statement from United said: "Thank you for dedicating eight years of your career to United, Juan. 

"Everyone at the club wishes you all the best for the future."

Mata later took to social media to send a farewell message to the United faithful. 

He said: "Thank you very much to all of you for your support over the years and especially during the difficult times we lived together.

 "I will never forget you. Thank you very much. All the best from the bottom of my heart and goodbye."

Mata's last outing for the Red Devils came on the final day of the season as they lost 1-0 at Crystal Palace.

And new boss Erik ten Hag has decided not to include the Spanish veteran in his Old Trafford revolution. 

Ten Hag, 52, has a huge job on his hands to revitalise the club after United finished sixth on 58 points — making 2021-22 their worst campaign in the Premier League. 

But Mata, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and the European Championship two years later, will not be around to see whether the Dutchman can lift the mood at the Theatre of Dreams. 

Speaking earlier this year, Victor Lindelof was full of praise for his team-mate. He said: "As a player, the quality Juan has is amazing. 

"His vision, his touch and his ability to see everything on the pitch are fantastic. 

"As a person, he’s always happy and always positive. He's just a great guy."