Reason why Juan Mata struggles for first-team minutes at Old Trafford

Manchester United manager coach Ralf Rangnick has claimed that competition for places in the Red Devils midfield area have made it tough for him to select Juan Mata in the starting XI.

The experienced Spaniard has only played five games for Man Utd this season, two of which have been in the Champions League, with his last outing coming against Atletico Madrid in a 0-1 defeat.

The Spaniard also took part in a match against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, however, he has not played a single minute of English top-tier football this season..

Rangnick has claimed that the 33-year-old is “very popular” at Old Trafford, however, the competition for spots in his position makes it tough for him to secure place in the starting XI.

“Well, he is also very popular in our group. I think everybody likes Juan a lot, and he can still play on this level, but it’s a question of competition,” Rangnick told reporters.

Mata’s current deal at Old Trafford expires in the summer, and it has been reported that he could be offered coaching job if he decides to hang boots on the wall.