FOOTBALL fans were surprised as Juan Mata watched England beat Panama sitting next to Dan Ashworth.
The pair of former Manchester United employees sat in the stands in New York with Tyrone Mings in front of them.
Sign up for the Football newsletter
Thank you!
Juan Mata was sitting next to Dan Ashworth as England beat Panama Credit: ITV
England won after goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane Credit: Getty
Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein was also in the area chatting to the Aston Villa defender.
Mata, 38, now plays in Australia for Melbourne Victory and is a World Cup winner.
He was long gone from Old Trafford by the time chief Ashworth joined for a brief spell.
But they were seen chatting away with Ashworth leaning in and talking to Mata before half-time.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
‘FOREVER OUR SON’
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and girlfriend announce tragic loss of their baby
BEST BOOKIES
Best World Cup betting sites 2026: Top UK bookies and offers
Ex-Newcastle supremo Ashworth has returned to the FA since leaving the Red Devils.
United axed him within months despite costing over £10million and half a year’s worth of gardening leave waiting ahead of his arrival.
Mata, who was a World Cup winner in 2010, played 285 times for United and scored 51 times and assisted 44 goals.
United fans were left shocked after seeing the pair in conversation with each other during the match coverage.
WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS
World Cup 2026 – all the info
LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!
This year’s World Cup is like no other as a record-breaking 48 nations compete to lift football’s biggest prize.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought.
But footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have other plans in what will likely be their final World Cup appearance.
JattvibeSport have got everything you need for the huge tournament
LATEST NEWS
KEY INFO
VIDEO
TIPS AND BETTING
If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.
One posted: “Not a sight I expected to see in this game.”
A second wrote: “Juan Mata with Dan Ashworth at England vs Panama tonight.”
A third commented: “Dan Ashworth, Juan Mata, David Dein and Tyrone Mings. Some blunt rotation that”
A fourth said: “Juan Mata speaking to Dan Ashworth wasn’t on my bingo card for this game.”
Mata spent eight years at Manchester United Credit: EPA
Ashworth did not last a year at the club Credit: AFP
A fifth asked: “Why is Dan Ashworth having a conversation with Juan Mata.”
Another added: “Dan Ashworth talking Juan Mata’s ear off is the highlight of this first half.”
The win for England came after a much-improved second-half performance with goals coming from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
Kane’s effort has seen him surpass Gary Lineker‘s record of ten World Cup goals for England.
The Three Lions will now face DR Congo in the round of 32 after the African nation came back from a goal behind to beat Uzbekistan.
