Former Manchester United star Juan Mata played a key role in helping Melbourne Victory claim a win against their A-League rivals
Juan Mata of Melbourne Victory
Juan Mata scored twice in Melbourne Victory's win over Melbourne City(Image: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)=)
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Bruno Fernandes has sent two messages to former Manchester United star Juan Mata after the playmaker scored two impressive goals. Mata spent eight years at Old Trafford, winning three major trophies, including the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Mata, 37, signed for United in 2014 when David Moyes was manager of the Reds and went on to make 285 appearances and scoring 51 goals along the way.
Since leaving United, Mata has had spells in Turkey with Galatasaray and Japan with Vissel Kobe and is currently with Melbourne Victory in Australia, having also played for their A-League rivals Western Sydney Wanderers for the 2024/25 season.
Mata has made 17 appearances so far for Victory with three goals to his name, two of which came in their 3-1 win over local rivals Melbourne City on Saturday. Clarismario Santos was also on the scoresheet for Victory, with the win moving them up to fifth place in the A-League and six points behind leaders Newcastle Jets.
The first goal from the former United star came from long range as Mata lobbed Melbourne City goalkeeper Patrick Beach with a first-time effort near the halfway line.
The second goal was also scored within seconds of Victory winning back possession in the opposition goal, with Mata finding the back of the net with a left-footed effort from just outside the penalty area.
Fernandes has now sent two messages to Mata, with the pair enjoying two-and-a-half years as United teammates until Mata’s exit in 2022.
Both posts from Fernandes were made on the United captain’s Instagram story, with the first stating: “What a player,” with a clip of Mata’s first goal for Victory.
The second post featured a clip of Mata celebrating his second goal, with Fernandes writing: “Special player,” accompanied by a love heart emoji.
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Mata’s next match for Victory could come on Friday night, where they will face Adelaide United in yet another A-League fixture.
Fernandes, meanwhile, is currently preparing for United's return to Premier League action, which will see them face Everton in Monday Night Football.
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