Mata Watch: Key Moments

ManUtd.com recounts all the key moments in Juan Mata's Manchester United debut against Cardiff City, three days after he made his £37.1million move from Chelsea...

Pre-match: Mata receives a huge ovation from the Old Trafford faithful as his name is read out by stadium announcer Alan Keegan. He acknowledges the crowd and smiles.

01’ His first touch is greeted with loud cheers. And with his second he almost finds Robin van Persie in the area with a lofted pass, but Cardiff defend well.

06’ Mata pings a lovely crossfield pass to the left flank which Patrice Evra does well to control. Young then crosses for Valencia whose header smacks the bar before van Persie heads home at the second attempt. A great move started by Mata.

19’ The Spain international almost creates a second for the Reds as he floats the ball into the area where a free Ashley Young is waiting, but the winger just isn’t able to get on the end of it. Minutes later his free-kick is flicked wide by Jonny Evans.

33’ Involved in Young’s short corner which almost leads to van Persie doubling the advantage but his cross-shot flies across the face of goal.

Half-time: Mata can reflect on a good first 45 minutes in a United shirt, with his new team leading 1-0.

55' The Spaniard quietly closes in on goal, hoping to be picked out by Rafael's pull-back from the right wing, but the Brazilian's pass is inaccurate.

59' Mata now looks more likely to make a winning debut as Ashley Young scores with a stunning strike, somewhat out of the blue after a quiet start to the second half. It will be rightly described as a 'solo goal' although Mata can claim the assist for playing the ball out wide to the left winger.

62' The new signing takes possession midway inside Cardiff's half, works his way to the edge of the box and drills a low shot towards goal which Marshall claims relatively comfortably with a dive to his right. It's his first shot for the Reds and pleasingly on target if lacking a bit of power.

63' After signing on Saturday, Mata said he couldn't "wait to play alongside him" and now the wait is over, as Wayne Rooney comes on as substitute for Robin van Persie. That trio working together in tandem remains a treat for Old Trafford to look forward to.

75' From Patrice Evra's pass, Mata clips a delicate shot towards goal, only for a Bluebirds defender to intervene and head it wide.

85' An impressive debut comes to an end as Mata is rested for the closing minutes, with Adnan Januzaj coming on to replace him.

Full-time: The Reds have beaten Cardiff 2-0 and Juan Mata can feel pleased with his performance.

Post-match: Mata is voted Man of the Match on the club's official Twitter account. The Spaniard received 68 per cent of the votes, well ahead of fellow nominees Chris Smalling and Ashley Young.