Juan Mata says he skipped easy option at Manchester United

Juan Mata has said that it would have been easier to leave Manchester United in the summer after the struggles of last season.

Mata, who has yet to start a game this season, made 22 Premier League appearances last season as United finished sixth in the Premier League.

Mata, 31, was deliberating over his future with his deal up at Old Trafford, but he signed a new deal which will keep him at United for another two years, with the option of a further one-year extension.

And Mata says that was not the easiest option after the difficult end to the season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Mata spoke to the Telegraph last week and referring to that interview he told his blog he made the right decision to stay.

Mata wrote: “On the other hand, I would like to mention that last week I had an interview with Jason Burt from the Daily Telegraph.We talked about a lot of different things. Among them, we discussed last season and the weeks leading up to my contract extension.

“I told him that given the situation it perhaps would have been easier to leave, to accept that I did not arrive at Manchester United at the best point in their history and not renew.

“However, I believed, and still believe, that it was worthwhile to stay, to work so that this club returns to fighting for big trophies.

“I want to be here, working so that Manchester United can get back to what it used to be.

“This is my mentality and the idea I have in mind. I feel that this was also the mentality of the people who made this great club what it is, and that is why it is so unique and special.”