Manchester United address Juan Mata transfer speculation
BACANEWS.ID - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not surprised by speculation Juan Mata could leave Manchester United in the summer.
Mata, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season and the club has the option of an additional year but the Spaniard has been linked with a move to Italy.
Mata was absent for three weeks recently - although no explanation was provided by United - and he is in contention for a first start since January against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
"I’m not surprised that teams are interested in him," Solskjaer said. "One, he’s a very good footballer, two he’s a fantastic professional and human being.
"When the contracts are running towards the end there will be interest, I’m sure Juan has been able to speak to other clubs if he wants to
"I keep in touch with him all the time anyway, we have a good dialogue."
Daniel James flanked Solskjaer for his pre-match Europa League press conference, having scored in his last two games against Newcastle and Sociedad in the first leg.
James, 23, endured a forgettable first half of the season but has still scored five goals for United this term - more than in his impressive first campaign with the club.
The Welshman is poised to keep his place for the second leg against Sociedad and, in a rare media appearance, spoke about his development at United.
"Over the season, it’s about learning from the players in my position, the coaches and the gaffer," James explained. "I think what came away the most is being myself and I’ve got to take a leaf out of everyone’s book but ultimately be myself.
"I’m a different forward to all the forwards here, in a good way. I think every forward is different and it’s good to have that option. I came away from that a little bit but I came back and reflected and looked back at when I’m at my best in the games and when I’m at my best and how to get back to that.
"I wouldn’t say it surprised me [how well I did at the start]. I’ve worked very hard to get into this position. At the start, I was playing out of enjoyment and excitement, I was so happy to be here.
"Through life you go through difficult patches, every player has been through it, and it’s about not sticking your head in the sand, it’s about reflecting and learning every single day, which I feel like I have and trying to get back to the form at the start of the season.
"I'd like to think I’m on a good pathway for it, I’ve still got so much to learn and I’m learning every day, the gaffer and the coaches are always speaking to me, it’s just about doing the right thing all the time."
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