Matic made a point of congratulating Matic for his role in Lukaku’s goal (Picture: Sky Sports)

Juan Mata made sure everyone knew the key role Nemanja Matic played in Manchester United’s opening goal against West Ham, pointing out the Serb during the celebrations.

The new signing from Chelsea showed exactly why Jose Mourinho spent £40 million on him, playing an integral goal in the build-up to Romelu Lukaku’s strike.

Matic robbed West Ham of possession, allowing the ball to break to Marcus Rashford, but rather than rest on his laurels his followed the play, overlapping to the left of Rashford to create more space for his new team-mate.

Mata deliberately pointed out Matic to praise him for his fantastic play (Picture: Sky Sports)

And as the United squad flocked to Lukaku at the corner flag, Mata made a point – quite literally – of singling out Matic’s role in the goal.

While Rashford and Lukaku were hugging, Matic and Mata – both formerly of Chelsea – hugged and high-fived as the Spaniard applauded his new teammate on his superb awareness and defensive display.

Matic was the best player on the pitch in the first half against the Hammers (Picture: Getty)

Matic enjoyed an excellent first half performance on his Old Trafford debut, breaking up play and dominating the midfield, immediately winning the favour of the home crowd.

Such was his performance, Gary Neville – in the commentary booth for the match – once again underlined his shock at Chelsea’s willingness to let Matic leave for a title rival.