Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is facing a huge few months in his Old Trafford career with the team in free fall after a handful of awful performances have left them flirting with the relegation places in the Premier League.
However, the Portuguese star has found some time to congratulate a former teammate upon scoring his first goal at his new club, this season.
Juan Mata opened his account for Australian club, Western Sydney Wanderers, on New Year’s Day, drawing his side level in a pulsating encounter in the A-League.
Unfortunately for Mata, his strike wasn’t enough to spark a victory for Western Sydney, who eventually lost the game by three goals to two on home soil.
As reported by The Mirror, Fernandes took to social media to send a message to Mata who equalised with a trademark slide rule finish from the edge of the box midway through the first half.
“The year changes but magic never disappears @juanmatagarcia,” Fernandes posted alongside a loveheart emoji.
The midfield duo forged a strong personal relationship during their spell together in Manchester and it’s clear the bond is still as tight as ever.
Since leaving United, Mata turned out for Turkish giants Galatasaray before moving to Japan to represent Vissel Kobe, winning the league title in both countries.
Mata featured just once during his time with Kobe but is now playing with more regularity down under and will hope for more action as Western Sydney look to launch an attack on the A-League crown.
The 36-year-old’s new side are currently sitting in mid table after 10 matches but a top six finish will be enough to see them qualify for the playoffs which will give them a shot at glory.
Meanwhile, Fernandes and United are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table and face a daunting start to the New Year with a trip to Anfield this coming weekend.
Bruno is expected to return to the side after missing the dire 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle in the last league outing, through suspension.
United need to get back on track quickly after three straight losses in the league without a goal has left Ruben Amorim facing huge question marks over his suitability for the role as the new head coach at Old Trafford.
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
