Juan Mata faces Manchester United initiation, but it's unlikely to be as harrowing as what David Beckham went through 22 years ago

Beckham was forced to perform a sexual act on himself while looking at a picture of former United star Clayton Blackmore whereas in comparison Mata is likely to sing a song

Juan Mata could go through a Manchester United initiation, but hopefully it won't be anything like David Beckham's (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata could be put through an initiation ceremony following his addition to the squad after completing his £37.1m move, but team-mate Ashley Young isn’t letting slip when it could be.

One thing that is for certain though, is that the Spaniard is unlikely to be put through the same vile initiation that David Beckham had to endure at Old Trafford, in which he has recently admitted to being forced to perform a sex act on himself while looking at a picture of former United star Clayton Blackmore.

The former England captain was a mere 16-years-old when he was put through the ordeal while his team-mates roared with laughter and mocked his performance. Mata is highly unlikely to through something similar, with singing a song in front of the rest of the squad becoming the more usual forfeit.

“There might be (an initiation),” said Young. “I am not sure when it has to happen - or if it does. We will have to wait and see.”

Beckham’s own experience was revealed during the recent release of the “Class of 1992”, and the former midfielder, who retired last summer after a glittering career, still struggles to talk about it in public.

“Everyone had an initiation that you had to go through on the youth team — that was one of the most uncomfortable ones,” said Beckham, who received a message of support from former Wales international Robbie Savage claiming Becks wasn’t the only one to go through it.

The film elaborates on the youth policy United implemented in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s with great success, but for “Goldenballs” – as he was famously nicknamed by wife Victoria Beckham – not all the memories were fond ones.

“The fact that I had to look at Clayton Blackmore’s calendar and do certain things, while looking at Clayton Blackmore — I mean it was embarrassing to talk about!” revealed the 38-year-old.

“I was embarrassed when I was saying it on camera let alone talking about it more. It was definitely something I wouldn’t like to go through again!”

Beckham went on to make his debut for the first team the following year, with the film following the early careers of he and his team-mates Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, Gary and Phil.

Having reaped success on the field with United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy as well as England, Beckham excelled off it as he became a household name across the globe due to his marketability as a fashion icon.