Juan Mata says he is planning to stay at Manchester United for as long as he can.
The 31-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at United this season but is still viewed as an important member of the first-team squad under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Mata has netted three goals and five assists in all competitions this campaign and is one of the most senior members of the dressing room.
The Spaniard's current deal expires in the summer of 2021, however United do have the option of extending it by an additional year until 2022.
Mata admits he would be interested in finishing his career at Old Trafford but drew comparisons with Michael Carrick when explaining how quickly plans can change.
“At the moment, I see myself here and playing for as long as I can at the club," Mata said in a Q&A on the club website.
“As you know, after that, there are players who go to different countries and try a different league or culture in life.
“I don’t know if I’m going to do that because it depends on the circumstances. If you speak to Michael Carrick maybe he had a different plan but then, from one day to another, he became an assistant manager.
“So you never know and I prefer to focus on the present or the short-term goals.”
