Both players, who are long-time friends and also international team-mates with Spain, looked in high spirits after leaving the high-end Cibo Restaurant in Hale.

The spot prides itself on its Italian food and is popular with the United squad, with Nemanja Matic having joined De Gea and Bruno Fernandes earlier this season.

Manchester United’s Fomer David de Gea (right) and Juan Mata (left) stepped out for lunch on Friday

Dressed casually, both players cracked a smile as Mata appeared to share a joke.

Both stars were in high spirits as they enjoyed downtime

Mata (right) looked to share a joke with the group as he and De Gea (left) walked through Hale