Juan Mata was no stranger to producing moments of magic during his eight-year spell at Manchester United.
From his stunning scissor-kick against Liverpool at Anfield in 2015 to his dramatic late free-kick in the 2-1 win away at Juventus three years later.
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The 35-year-old will go down as one of the club’s finest players of this era.
And while he scored 51 goals for the Red Devils from his 285 appearances between 2014 and 2022, it is a piece of skill that will live long in the memory of United fans.
Flash back to September 2017 at Old Trafford, United hosted Crystal Palace, with Mata breaking the deadlock in the first half of the eventual 4-0 rout.
But it was his first touch that he plucked from the heavens that stunned the supporters inside the Theatre of Dreams.
In incredible footage one smart fan caught on camera, the ball was hoofed up in the air from inside the United penalty box, with 2010 World Cup winner Mata looking to keep it in play.
Palace’s Jason Puncheon was leaning into his back by the touchline, but that failed to have any impact.
Mata simply trapped the ball with his left foot with ease to bamboozle Puncheon, who failed at the last second to get in front of him.
He then laid the ball off to Antonio Valencia as United fans rose to their feet and loudly applauded what they had just seen.
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It remains one of the greatest first touches in Premier League history, highlighting the technical brilliance of the Euro 2012 champion.
His touch came as no surprise to ex-teammate Victor Lindelof, who lauded Mata last year as he approached the end of his contract.
Hailing Mata’s abilities, he said: “As a player, the quality Juan has is amazing.
“His vision, his touch and his ability to see everything on the pitch are fantastic.
“As a person, he’s always happy and always positive. He’s just a great guy.”
Mata enjoyed great success at United, where he helped the club win the Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup and the Community Shield.
He added to his ever-growing collection of silverware by scooping the Super Lig title with Galatasaray whom he joined in 2022.
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After just one season with the Turkish giants, Mata is now looking for a new club.
And you can be sure wherever he will be playing his football next campaign, Mata will be leaving fans in awe – just as he has done throughout his glittering career.
