Former Spanish international and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata put up an impressive performance as United beat Luton club 3-0 earlier this week. The 32-year-old Spaniard scored the opening goal in the match via a penalty as his club had an easy outing in the Carabao Cup third-round tie. He converted from the spot-Kick after Brandon Williams was brought down inside the box just before half-time.

Playing in an away match Mata relieved his old class as he made the Luton goalkeeper James Shea go the wrong way netting his first goal since scoring in United’s 5-0 win over Linz in the Europa League earlier this March.

Juan Mata’s impressive performance was backed by equally brilliant goals by Rashford and Greenwood as the Red Devils won the match with ease to march on to the next round.  The victory came following a disappointing defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace in the Premiership League over the weekend.

For Mata, this win was a great confidence booster in the midst of a hugely disrupted season. Playing in the number 8 shirt, he was on the field for 78 minutes and looked as good as it could be for him. Much to the satisfaction of his team’s management, he looked like having gained some important time on the field before some bigger clashes ahead in the season.

Mata made his Spanish debut in 2009. He went on to represent his country in 41 matches scoring 10 international goals. He was part of the 2010 World Cup-winning side.

At the club level, Mata graduated from the age-group team of Real Madrid to join Castilla in 2006. After playing in the Spanish League for 4 years, he moved to England. He was bought by Chelsea in 2011 before Manchester United signed him in 2014.