Juan Mata 'keen to stay at Manchester United despite contract expiring'

Juan Mata has reportedly expressed his desire to stay Manchester United for another year, despite his contract now having expired.

The Spaniard's deal at Old Trafford officially expired at midnight on Wednesday, but the club do have the option to extend it for a further 12 months.

Mata joined United under David Moyes in January 2014 and has made 273 appearances for the club, scoring 51 goals.

However, he has fallen down the pecking order in recent years and played just nine league games last season.

The Red Devils confirmed at the start of June that they were in talks to extend the midfielder's deal, but the Manchester Evening News claims that the club have reservations over keeping a player who turned 33 in April.

Jadon Sancho's imminent arrival would reduce Mata's playing opportunities even further and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to make further additions to bolster his attack.

Mata has spent the last decade in England, having played for Chelsea prior to moving to Old Trafford.