Juan Mata has issued a playful challenge to his former Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes following his stunning free-kick for Melbourne Victory in the A-League. The 36-year-old scored in the 34th minute of Saturday's 2-2 draw against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium, helping his side secure a point after they had led 2-0.
Fernandes, who was watching the match alongside fellow United star Harry Maguire, posted a video on his Instagram story of Mata's goal, captioned: 'We just knew it that from right there he doesn’t miss right [Harry Maguire]?' Mata responded after the final whistle, telling the A-League's official account: 'I love them and I’m happy they follow the A-League. I hope that in the next game Bruno can score a similar goal.'
Mata left Manchester United in the summer of 2022 as a free agent, later joining Galatasaray, Vissel Kobe, and Western Sydney Wanderers before moving to Melbourne Victory last year. The draw leaves Victory fifth in the A-League table, four points behind third-placed Sydney FC, while Newcastle Jets lead the standings.
Reflecting on the match, Mata said: 'When you are winning 2-0 away at Sydney FC, you feel that you are very close to winning a very important game. Unfortunately, we had five or ten minutes of madness where they scored two. But at least we took a point, it’s bittersweet.'
