REVEALED: Why David de Gea, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata are not happy at Manchester United

Reports have emerged in England about the problems Spanish-speaking stars at Manchester United are facing with regards to new contracts.

They, according to The Daily Mail, feel preferential treatment is being given to the club’s English players — leaving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a problem of dressing-room harmony in the closing weeks of the season.

Spaniards David de Gea, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata and their representatives believe they are being treated differently as the club attempt to return to the ‘home-based’ strategy that made them successful under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Luke Shaw, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young have all signed new contracts at Old Trafford this season but there has been no similar agreement with the Spanish contingent.

Herrera, 29, is close to joining PSG having failed to reach terms with United, amid briefings the midfielder was asking for too much money. Herrera is in contention to face Everton at Goodison Park today after returning from injury.

De Gea, 28, considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world despite his blunder against Barcelona last week, will enter the final year of his United deal at the end of the season despite protracted negotiations. Mata, 30, is also due to leave and is yet to renew his stay.

In addition to the ‘three amigos’, Chile international Alexis Sanchez — a close friend of Herrera — has unsettled United staff with the odd temper tantrum during a frustrating season for the former Arsenal forward.

Though Mata and Herrera are popular members of the squad, the Spanish speakers have formed their own little clique at United.

In general, the club have failed to assimilate their Latin players over the long term, compared with Manchester City, for whom David Silva and Sergio Aguero have been instrumental over several years.

United want to promote academy and British players as part of the club’s DNA, having had their fingers burnt in the transfer market under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho. But as they attempt to strike the right balance, there is a risk it could put off overseas targets.

The aggrieved Spaniards have left Paul Pogba in a difficult position with a foot in each camp.

The French World Cup winner grew up as a trainee in Manchester, alongside English players such as Jesse Lingard, but has also established close friendships with the foreign legion.

Photo Credit: Manchester Evening News