Mata debut on Tuesday

Juan Mata will make his Manchester United debut against Cardiff City on Tuesday.

The Spanish playmaker, who has 32 caps for his country, has joined United from Chelsea for a club record £37.1million.

"I am thrilled to be joining United," he said.

"I have enjoyed some very happy years at Chelsea but the time has come for a new challenge. United is the perfect place for me and I am excited at the chance I have to be part of the next phase in the Club's history.

"Chelsea is a top club and I have many friends there but you cannot turn down the chance to join Manchester United. I look forward to helping the manager and the team be successful in the coming years."

His new manager, David Moyes, will hope for more success with Mata than his previous major signing, Marouane Fellaini, who has struggled with form and injury since arriving from Everton in the summer.

In that time, United have slumped to seventh in the table and face a battle to qualify for next year's Champions League.

But Mata's arrival has sparked fresh optimism at Old Trafford, with Wayne Rooney now also in talks over extending his £250,000 a week contract.

"Juan is one of the finest playmakers in the game today and it's a real pleasure to have secured his signature," said Moyes, who will throw Mata straight into battle on Tuesday.

"He's been instrumental in Chelsea's recent success, with a notable 28 assists and 32 goals in his last two Premier League seasons. I have been impressed with the excitement he has shown to be part of the new Manchester United.

"I know our fans have admired Juan for some time now - he has always played well against us - and I know they will be delighted to see him in the red of United; starting on Tuesday."