Juan Mata

Former Manchester United and Spain midfielder Juan Mata set his sights on winning the J-League title yesterday after joining Andres Iniesta's former Japanese club Vissel Kobe.

Mata, a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, has joined Kobe after leaving Turkish Süper Lig club Galatasaray over the summer.

Erik ten Hag expressed his surprise at seeing Manchester United capitulate to a 4-0 defeat at Brentford that leaves the Red Devils bottom of the Premier League for the first time in 30 years.

But after just two games in charge, the Dutchman is getting a crash course in United's new reality.

Summer on the Croatian Adriatic coast this year is attracting a fair selection of the international jet set and sports stars. Most have been heading for the island of Hvar and Dubrovnik, resorts that combine culture, cuisine, beaches and nightlife.