Ralf Rangnick’s handling of Juan Mata has left Manchester United players perplexed. As the troubles at Old Trafford mount, the German coach has mainly ignored the Spaniard.
Rangnick’s treatment of Mata, who has been doing admirably in training, has perplexed United players.
The Red Devils were blasted by Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday, severely undermining their prospects of finishing in the top four.
Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez both scored braces in a 4-1 victory against Rangnick.
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The German coach is only with the club until the end of the season, but he has encountered a slew of issues since succeeding Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
And the newest behind-the-scenes development has left his teammates perplexed after ostracizing Mata.
According to The Athletic, the former Chelsea player has been working hard and has no fitness difficulties.
Despite this, the playmaker has not played a single minute in the Premier League and has only made four appearances in the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup this season, totaling 171 minutes.
Mata’s contract expires at the end of the season, and he appears certain to go for nothing when the transfer market opens this summer.
According to the Athletic, multiple La Liga clubs are interested in his talents, and he may return to his hometown to develop his career.
Over his eight years at Old Trafford, the 33-year-old has played 277 times for United, scoring 51 goals and assisting 47 times.
Despite his training efforts, his decision to prolong his contract on a 12-month basis last year appears to have backfired catastrophically.
And the Spaniard’s teammates are perplexed by Rangnick’s stance, particularly given the club’s struggles in midfield.
The former RB Leipzig coach had favored Bruno Fernandes as a No. 10, although he was utilized as a false-nine against City on Sunday.
Mata, on the other hand, has only played 20 minutes since his arrival, a cameo appearance against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, when the Red Devils were knocked out on penalties.
