Former Manchester United star Juan Mata has been rolling back the years in the Australian A-League, scoring a stunning free-kick against Sydney FC today. Mata’s wonderful strike gave his side a first-half lead in the fixture and was cheered on by a couple of very special fans on the other side of the globe. Ex-teammates Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire were tuned in to watch their old friend, posting their reaction to his delightful free-kick all the way from Carrington. Never in doubt The United duo were so confident in the Spaniard that Bruno was filming the TV screen as Juan Mata was lining up from all of 25 yards out. Mata duly placed the ball into the top corner, with Bruno and Harry’s commentary and reaction confirming their faith in the 37-year-old. Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire react to Juan Mata’s latest stunner in Australia ❤️🎥 They were so confident he’d score the free-kick, they were filming live! pic.twitter.com/MSRbqjT9ih — Football360.com.au (@football360au) March 7, 2026 “I knew it! The trust I have in this guy, filming live,” said the United skipper, with Maguire heard shouting, “Oh my days. Go on, Juan!” Fernandes posted the heartwarming video on Instagram with the caption: “We just knew it that from there he doesn’t miss, right @harrymaguire93?” Mata is one of the few players who can hold his head high in terms of United signings over the last decade, with his attitude off the pitch as inspiring as his quality on it. The Spanish midfielder clearly left his mark on his Old Trafford teammates, with Fernandes in particular developing a strong relationship with the World Cup winner. Bruno has recently heaped praise on Mata, who is enjoying a fine run of form down under. The latest strike followed a match-winning display in the Melbourne Derby, which included two wonder goals and an assist in the 3-1 win. Mata lays down challenge to Bruno The A-League media team were quick to respond to the United lads’ post, quizzing Mata on his former teammates at the full-time whistle in Sydney. Bruno Fernandes, the ball is in your court 🤣 Juan Mata has called on the Manchester United captain to replicate his free-kick in the Big Blue 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HL3heXdiwJ — Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) March 7, 2026 Mata responded with a typically classy statement before laying down a challenge to Bruno to repeat his effort in United’s next game. “Well, I love them. I’m happy they follow the A-League and our games and I hope the next game Bruno can score a similar goal,” he said. Fernandes has, himself, been in excellent form this season and is certainly capable of such moments of magic, with United relying heavily on the midfielder to create and score goals between now and the end of the campaign. Whether United finish in the Champions League places could well come down to how well Bruno performs in the final nine games, with Michael Carrick’s men currently sat in third position in the Premier League table. However, the recent loss to Newcastle United has halted momentum somewhat, and United will have to pick themselves up for the crucial visit of Aston Villa a week tomorrow (Sunday). Mata will no doubt be cheering United on from Melbourne, with his ties to Manchester still clearly as strong as ever. Featured image Daniel Pockett via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Conner Botterill Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for three years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology through the Open University. His favourite match attended was the Champions League victory in Paris under one the guidance of one of his idols, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
© 2025 Manchester United North America. All Rights Reserved. Desigb by CODEUS.