Some of the Spaniard’s best moments in a red shirt have come in meetings with the Magpies, including the trademark free-kick he netted against Rafael Benitez’s side at Old Trafford in October.
That goal kick-started a late comeback of course; after trailing 2-0 with just 20 minutes remaining, the Reds managed to emerge as 3-2 winners.
However, for Mata, Newcastle’s first-half performance at Old Trafford demonstrates the threat the Magpies possess.
“They started really well [that day] and in the first 20-25 minutes they were winning 2-0,”
Juan reflected in a recent interview with MUTV.