Manchester United’s start to the 2025/26 campaign has been dismal.
Despite Manchester United’s poor start to the Premier League campaign, the hierarchy remain fully behind Ruben Amorim.
Rasmus Hojlund’s recent goal for Napoli has also sparked debate over whether the forward can rediscover his scoring touch when he returns from his loan spell in Italy.
Off the pitch, United’s recruitment team continue to weigh up long-term targets, including plans to strengthen both midfield and attack when the January window rolls around.
Meanwhile, the club’s global following is never short of talking points, with former players constantly making headlines long after leaving Old Trafford.
One former United favourite has now delivered a headline-grabbing career twist.
World Cup and Champions League winner Juan Mata, who charmed Old Trafford supporters during his spell in Manchester, has officially joined Melbourne Victory ahead of the 2025/26 season, as the club announced on their website.
Landing in Melbourne early in the morning, Juan Mata met his new teammates and staff at AAMI Park and posed for photos in Victory colours for the first time.
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At his unveiling, the Spaniard revealed what convinced him to make the move: “I really felt the energy in the club.
“I really felt that they wanted me here.
“In my conversation with Arthur (Diles)… I really felt that with his style of play and players that we have in the dressing room, we can have a good season.”
Juan Mata, who wore United red for over five years, spoke of the club’s ambition: “Victory has always been fighting to win and it’s one of the most successful clubs in the league; that’s also one of the reasons why I’m here.
“Hopefully this season, we can do what they did last season, which is go to the finals, but change that final result and hopefully win.”
The 37-year-old is also eager to embrace Melbourne’s sporting culture and its passionate fanbase: “I’m really looking forward to meeting them at our stadium and in the streets in Melbourne.
“I know how important Melbourne is in sports. It’s a very sporting city and I’m really looking forward to experiencing it and to meeting all the Victory fans.”
Mata praised Victory’s community work and revealed his own desire to contribute off the pitch: “What they have been doing off the pitch for many years is something that I’m interested in.
“I know the relevance of Victory in Melbourne and the fanbase and community support they have.
“It’s something that I also want to contribute to because it gives you a deeper feeling, a deeper meaning of where you are.”
Having played 18 years at the top level, Mata believes he can mentor the next generation: “They know that I’m here for anything they might need. I’ll try to help them as much as I can on the pitch with my game and with my years of experience.
“I really believe that the future can be bright in Australian football, because the willingness and potential is there, they only need the confidence.
“I only see a way up. I only see that this country is going to keep improving.”
Mata will become the first player in the club’s history to wear the number 64 shirt and says he is “happy to be here and excited to start,” as the ex-United hero begins a remarkable new chapter in Australia.
