Juan Mata has reflected on his decision to sign for Manchester United and be in a position to play alongside his hero, Ryan Giggs.

“It’s hard to get your head around the phenomenon Manchester United is and the presence it has worldwide until you’re there – it’s a giant,” he said. “After the presentation, I was with my parents and I got a message on my phone. It was Ryan Giggs wishing me luck and telling me he was a bit upset because he wasn’t the best left-footer on the team anymore. Obviously it was a joke, but it made me happy for someone like him to say that about me. I never imagined I would get to play alongside him. When he started, I was 2 years old. I’ll always be able to say that I played alongside him.”