'A great opportunity' - Juan Mata drops next job hint as he makes Manchester United return

Juan Mata has been spotted back in Manchester United gear this week as he promotes the club’s 2024 pre-season tour of the USA.

United are returning Stateside this summer to play Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool following friendlies against Rosenberg in Norway and Rangers in Scotland. Mata - who left United in 2022 - was conducting promotional work in San Diego ahead of the trip.

The city boasts the 35,000-seater Snapdragon Stadium, where the club take on Betis on August 1 at 5am GMT, which is July 31 at 8pm local time in San Diego, California. The venue - the sponsor namesake of which will adorn the front of United’s shirt next season - saw United beat Wrexham in last summer’s friendly.

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Alongside Betis hero Tab Ramos, former Old Trafford star Mata visited a YMCA in San Diego to conduct training sessions with youngsters and sign autographs before visiting the city’s air base.

“We are visiting some soccer schools, hospitals,” explained Mata, who is currently without a club after leaving Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe in January.

“We are trying to do as much as we can in these three or four days that we will be here. Because it's very important for a football player to actually get to know where we are and connect with the soccer fans, and for Manchester United too, so it is a great opportunity for both the club and myself.

“I'm really excited about being in San Diego, which is a lovely place. I'm also looking forward to the game. It's always been great to play in front of the US fans for United. I remember many fantastic stadiums and many fantastic memories with them, so hopefully it's going to be one of those.”

Mata tallied 51 goals and 43 assists in 285 appearances for United between 2014 and 2022, lifting the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. He had initially arrived from Chelsea in a £37m deal before leaving at the end of his contract two years ago.

The Manchester Evening News reported in 2019 that United want Mata to become a club ambassador at the end of his playing career. It is understood that the club's desire for Mata to take up the role when his career comes to an end stems from the charitable work he undertook alongside his United career.