Manchester United fans will be happy to hear that Juan Mata has been rewarded for his efforts after a second season in Australia’s A-League.
Although Manchester United didn’t get the best out of Juan Mata, who enjoyed his best years at Villarreal and Chelsea, he was still a brilliant servant to the club.
The World Cup-winner spent eight-and-a-half years at Old Trafford after joining from Chelsea in 2014, for a then-club-record fee of £37.1 million during David Moyes’ reign.
Following his departure in 2022, Mata has played for four different clubs, after wrapping up his first season at Melbourne Victory with a heartbreaking defeat against Sydney FC in the Elimination Final on Saturday.
Pick your DREAM summer midfield rebuild within the reported budgets…
Who is the first name you want?
Juan Mata receives several awards at Melbourne Victory
Mata joined Melbourne Victory in 2025 after an underwhelming year at fellow A-League outfit Western Sydney Wanderers.
Before moving his career to Australia, Mata played for Turkish giants Galatasaray and Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe, winning domestic titles.
Melbourne Victory didn’t achieve any silverware, but their fans will forever remember Mata’s year at the club, if he decides to retire rather than extend his stay.
Mata has been recognised as Melbourne Victory’s Player of the Season, as announced on their official website.
The 38-year-old received other awards for the Players’ Player of the Year award and Goal of the Season.
What went wrong for Juan Mata at Man United?
He arrived with potential to be the best in the league. Why didn't he reach these levels?
Juan Mata stats at Melbourne Victory
There will be many Melbourne Victory fans trying to keep faith that Mata will remain for another season.
That shouldn’t come as a surprise, given his influence on the team this season.
Mata’s experience has proved beneficial, and his creative spark on the pitch has hurt many opponents.
Throughout the season, Mata has scored five goals and registered 13 assists.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
