‘Not an option’ – Two outcomes ruled out with Man Utd star now set to leave

Forgotten Man Utd forward Juan Mata will seek to prove the lack of faith in his talents is misplaced after snubbing two outcomes regarding his future, per a trusted source.

The Spanish veteran, 33, has seen his influence at Old Trafford diminish year on year. In the current campaign, Mata is yet to register a single league appearance and his game-time across all competitions totals a paltry 177 minutes.

Even with Anthony Martial out on loan, Marcus Rashford out of form and Mason Greenwood unavailable, Mata has remained on the periphery of United’s plans under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

Mata’s contract is due to expire in the summer and talk of joining United’s coaching staff had emerged.

However, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, that is not something Juan Mata wishes to take up.

At 33, retirement is another option, though Romano noted that avenue too has been ruled out by Mata.

Instead, the tricky forward is seemingly intent on continuing his playing career. And with a new deal at Old Trafford unlikely to be tabled, Mata’s eight-year stint in Manchester could be coming to an end.

Romano tweeted he’s been told the Spaniard ‘will not retire’ at season’s end with that route ‘not even an option’.

Joining United’s coaching team is ‘not in his plans’ either. Mata is instead ‘focused’ on finishing the campaign strongly with Manchester United and contributing if he is called upon.

Once the season concludes, Mata will then ‘plan for the future’.

With his United stay coming to an end, all eyes will be on which club makes a move for the impending free agent.

Links with Real Sociedad have frequented the media ever since the 33-year-old entered the final year of his deal.

Sociedad gave fellow Spanish