Match Rewind: We're showing Mata's finest hour

We asked fans to choose between four games that represent the best of Juan Mata – who celebrates his 32nd birthday today (Tuesday) – as part of our Match Rewind series. And, unsurprisingly, you've plumped for the day he rechristened the Scousers' home 'Juanfield' by scoring two scintillating goals.

 

The victory will be shown in full, and for free, via the Official App and the homepage of ManUtd.com from 19:00 BST.

 

But don't worry if you're tied up with something else – the full match will also be available to watch whenever you have the time, from 21:00 BST. Just head to the App or our homepage.

Louis van Gaal's side's win against the 18-times champions of England was the clear winner, garnering a whopping 62 per cent of your votes.

 

In second was the 2-1 win over Juventus in 2018 (26 per cent), when Mata's free-kick laid the foundations for a late smash-and-grab raid that was completed by a Leonardo Bonucci own goal a few minutes later.

 

In third and fourth, respectively, were the 1-0 League Cup win over Manchester City from 2016 – when Juan scored the game's only goal – and the Emirates FA Cup final from the same year, when the Spaniard's volley cancelled out Jason Puncheon's opener for Crystal Palace, setting the platform for Jesse Lingard's extra-time stunner to seal our 12th FA Cup.

 

Visits to Anfield are always important, even when there’s nothing to play for. In March 2015, however, both sides were battling it out for the final Champions League spot, with United just two clear of the Merseysiders in fourth. Liverpool had embarked on a 13-match unbeaten run in the league since losing 3-0 to United in December, and were slight favourites going into the game. We were in the midst of a purple patch ourselves, though, and Mata’s marvellous individual performance at the heart of a composed and controlled team showing ensured the Reds were in Mersey paradise by the time the full-time whistle blew.

 

The Spaniard tucked home Ander Herrera’s weighted pass to ensure van Gaal’s side went into the break a goal to the good. Steven Gerrard, in his final season at Anfield, was introduced at the interval, but the Liverpool captain would be seeing the inside of the tunnel again quicker than planned: he was shown red for a studs-up foul on Herrera within a minute of the restart. Mata then doubled our advantage with a truly wonderful acrobatic effort after a one-two with Angel Di Maria. Daniel Sturridge would give The Kop an excuse to roar their side on for the last 20 minutes, before Wayne Rooney missed the chance to put the game to bed from the spot, but the day was Mata’s, and United had a key victory on our way to Champions League qualification.

 

To view the full 90 minutes of this impressive performance against Liverpool at Anfield, simply open the Official App or visit the homepage of ManUtd.com at 19:00 BST. Or, if you can't make that time, head to the same places at any point after 21:00 BST to watch at your own convenience.

 

Also keep your eyes peeled for our next Match Rewind poll, which will begin tomorrow.