Juan Mata hopes Paul Pogba will stay at Manchester United as speculation continues to surround his future.
The Red Devils are currently on their pre-season tour with the France World Cup winner clearly an integral part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.
The 26-year-old wants a move away from Old Trafford, though, with Real Madrid and Juventus touted as possible destinations.
Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, told talkSPORT he hoped his wish to leave the club will be granted soon.
United are clearly reluctant to let their £89million man go and Mata hopes the midfielder will stay.
“We all know Paul and he’s a fantastic midfielder and he’s a very good guy, very positive, good influence for everyone,” Mata said.
“I think he’s happy, he brings everyone together.
“But I cannot speak for other people. I cannot speak for myself, for my present and my future in the club.
“And obviously as a team-mate, and as a friend also, I would like him to stay and to be happy because he is a very good player for us, but I cannot say much else.”
Pogba is not the only United player whose future is under scrutiny, but there is no doubt about where Mata’s future lies.
The 31-year-old was out of contract at the end of the 2018/19 season and talks over an extension had long been at an impasse, but a deal was struck to extend his stay with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side until at least 2021.
“There were some options to go to a different club, but I said it before the feeling of being a Manchester United player is so unique,” Mata said.
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“I am very happy to stay here. I am dreaming about winning big trophies at this club.
“I cannot wait to win a big trophy and celebrate with all the fans because they deserve it.
“I am very happy to extend my time in Manchester. I am very happy in the city, so it is all great and I am proud to be a player of this club.”
Upon renewing his contract, Mata said he wanted to turn the area back red after Manchester City’s recent dominance.
Reminded of that comment, he said: “Hopefully. We want that.
“This club has won more trophies than any other club in England. We want to win big trophies again.
“That is what the history of this club deserves. That is what the fans deserve.
“We know we have to improve. We know we have to do a better season than last season.
“But again, I extended my contract and I am very proud and happy to be here because I think we have very good people in the dressing room, good people with the manager.
“We want to improve. We want to win. We are working towards that objective.”
