Juan Mata officially becomes Chair of club

Juan Mata has officially taken on a new chair role, adding another major responsibility to a career which has already taken him across some of the biggest clubs in world football.

The Spaniard remains fondly remembered at Manchester United after arriving from Chelsea in January 2014.

Mata spent more than eight years at Old Trafford, making 285 appearances in all competitions and scoring 51 goals.

His intelligence, technique and calmness made him a popular figure through several managerial eras.

Meanwhile, moments such as his famous scissor-kick against Liverpool remain part of his United legacy.

He also helped United win the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League before leaving in 2022.

United’s own hierarchy has remained a major talking point in recent years.

The Glazer family remain majority owners, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS hold a significant minority stake and control football operations.

Supporter frustration has not disappeared either, with a protest planned ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Juan Mata has now stepped into a position of influence himself, although not back at Old Trafford.

Juan Mata officially becomes chair of football committee

Melbourne Victory have officially confirmed that Mata will become chair of the club’s newly established football comittee.

The Australian side announced the development on their official website while confirming that the 38-year-old has also ended his playing commitments with Victory.

Mata joined Melbourne Victory in September 2025 and went on to enjoy an outstanding campaign, being named the best player in Australia’s top flight and winning the club’s Victory medal.

Earlier this year, the former United midfielder also took an ownership interest in the club, meaning his influence will now extend well beyond the pitch.

Victory confirmed Mata will concentrate on his position within the ownership group while considering the next steps in his career from Europe.

His new position as chair of the football committee will allow him to apply his experienced gained during a career which also included Chelsea, Valencia, Galatasaray and Vissel Kobe.

For United supporters, it represents another intriguing chapter for a player who was always regarded as one of football’s more thoughtful personalities.