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Mata: Following in footsteps of Man Utd legends Beckham, Cantona, Giggs & Scholes is 'surreal'

Juan Mata has admitted that playing for a club with the history of Manchester United still feels surreal, despite the Spaniard being in his seventh season at the club.

After spending time in Real Madrid’s youth system before spells with Valencia and Chelsea, the 31-year-old says the sheer size of United still sometimes surprises him.

Ahead of United’s home fixture with Crystal Palace this weekend, Mata is hoping to keep following in the footsteps of United’s many former greats.

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“When I was a kid in Spain I only ever wanted to be a professional football player,” he told the Telegraph.