David de Gea leads Juan Mata's dream career team-mate XI as Manchester United dominate

Manchester United attacking-midfielder Juan Mata has named his dream starting line-up based on players that he has played with at some stage during his career, including six past and present United stars.

Enjoying a hugely successful playing career so far, the Spaniard has had the privilige of playing with some of the finest players of all-time, both at club level and on the international stage. Starting his career at Real Madrid, Mata moved on, joining Valencia in June 2007.

He enjoyed four years with the La Liga outfit before moving to England and joining Chelsea in 2011. He enjoyed another three years at Stamford Bridge, winning three major trophies, before completing a £37.1million move to United in January 2014.

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Although he has been unable to help United end their search for a first Premier League title since 2013, he has helped them win four major honours, whilst playing alongside a collection of household names. In total, Mata has named five former United players in his dream XI, plus current goalkeeper David de Gea.

On including fellow countryman De Gea in his squad, Mata told FourFourTwo : "David is a very good friend, and also the most talented goalkeeper that I've ever played with – his reactions are amazing. Every goalkeeping coach will tell you his natural ability is unbelievable."

In defence, Mata named former United ace Patrice Evra at left-back, despite only playing with him for a few months. The Frenchman left ahead of the start of the 2014/15 season to join Juventus.

"He'd been at Old Trafford for eight years before I signed, so he was experienced," Mata admitted. "He was a key figure in the dressing