Manchester United v Cardiff City: Juan Mata debut at Old Trafford confirmed

The £37m signing from Chelsea wears the No 8 shirt

Juan Mata scarves are being sold outside Old Trafford (GETTY IMAGES)

David Moyes has wasted no time utilising Manchester United's most expensive ever signing.

Juan Mata, who joined from Chelsea on Saturday for £37m, has been named in the starting line-up to play Cardiff City.

The Spain international wears the No 8 jersey.

He is joined in the starting line-up by Robin van Persie, who returns from a lengthy injury lay-off, as Manchester United look to close the gap between themselves and the six teams above them.

Wayne Rooney starts the Premier League game on the bench.

With Everton playing Liverpool this evening and Tottenham to play Manchester City tomorrow, victory tonight would see United make in roads on at least two of their rivals for Champions League qualification.

It seems as though Mata will play behind van Persie, with no other recognised striker in the starting line-up.

The midfield is made up of Valencia, Jones, Giggs and Young while Rafael Da Silva, Smalling, Evans and Evra play in defence.

Man Utd: De Gea, Rafael Da Silva, Smalling, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Jones, Giggs, Young, Mata, van Persie. Subs: Rooney, Lindegaard, Hernandez, Cleverley, Fletcher, Kagawa, Januzaj.

Cardiff: Marshall, McNaughton, Caulker, Hudson, John, Noone, Medel, Mutch, Whittingham, Campbell, Bellamy. Subs: Berget, Turner, Kim, Eikrem, Gunnarsson, Daehli, Lewis. Referee: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire)

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