Hitting a nice patch of form
Take him out against a Liverpool, whack him straight back in for Burnley
Take him out against a Liverpool, whack him straight back in for Burnley
8
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 37
- Goals
- 3
- Assists
- 7
- Yellow cards
- 1
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik and Imran hold a long overdue conversation about United's awful league form with 1 win in 7. They discuss a disappointing draw at Bournemouth, a not so disappointing draw against Liverpool and a crushing defeat at Chelsea - Is time nearly over for Erik Ten Hag?
Then in a special second half of the pod, Nik welcomes Natalie ( https://twitter.com/natalie_17) to discuss the fortunes of Manchester United Women as they booked a place in the FA Cup Final after a historic first ever win vs. Chelsea.
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Great goal tonight. I didn't have any doubt he'd bury it when put through.
He has this little bit of quality around the box which is winning us games. Another decent performance.
Too slow to be offside, looked like the Wolves defender were going to catch up and make it difficult but he finished with a beautiful technical chip. Sums him up quite nicely i guess. Slow but technical good.
Also made had a great pass at James after 4 minutes or so.
Also made had a great pass at James after 4 minutes or so.
Very nice.
Brilliant game from him. The finish was ice cold- arguably the most composed finisher at the club after Greenwood (Martial and Rashy are inconsistent)
Could have had an assist had James buried his chance. His legs may be gone but he's still our most creative number 10.
More goals and assists than Lingard and AP combined despite having played lesser games than both of them this season.
Could have had an assist had James buried his chance. His legs may be gone but he's still our most creative number 10.
More goals and assists than Lingard and AP combined despite having played lesser games than both of them this season.
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Do we dare risk him at Anfield?? 
I'm not sure he can handle the pace and pressing of Liverpool...but then Juanfield!
I'm not sure he can handle the pace and pressing of Liverpool...but then Juanfield!
When the alternatives are Lingard and Pereira, I don't think we have much to lose. They are just as likely to go invisible.Do we dare risk him at Anfield??
I'm not sure he can handle the pace and pressing of Liverpool...but then Juanfield!
Swear Mata's only got 2 goals this season?
Pereira has played both deeper in midfield and at RM. He's played more games out of position then he has at 10 this season so harsh on him imo.
I'm one of Mata's biggest critics but thought he done well vs Norwich and today. Couple moments of class, especially the finish today.
I don't think so, rather just keep him for Burnley.Do we dare risk him at Anfield??
I'm not sure he can handle the pace and pressing of Liverpool...but then Juanfield!
Think with how much of the ball we'll see the ball, Andreas headless chicken routine might be more useful.
That early pass to James was brilliant. That is what Mata gives us. On the counter I would normally not expect him to be great, but a good goal from him.
Should not start against Liverpool because we need more mobility and defensive solidity for that game.
Should not start against Liverpool because we need more mobility and defensive solidity for that game.
Thats how you dink the ball Lingard.
Honestly, even I can't recall his 3rd goal
I’ve never had an issue with Mata or the decision to extend his contract. In an otherwise top notch squad (which we don’t have) he’s a quality option to have around. When he plays like this, that is.
Hugz for everyone!
Good performance. Composed finish for his goal.
Juanfield coming this weekend? He certainly looks in form. Was all over the pitch. It's a shame he doesn't have the legs anymore.
Time for Juanfield mark 2?
The pen and today right. Don't think he scored another one.
Mata gets loads of stick on this forum mainly because he lacks pace but he is a quality player. A class goal today on the back of a great game against Norwich. If a few others had his technical ability we would be doing a lot better.
Has timed a return to form to perfection
In both recent matches, he's shown more pace than he's given credit for. And his brain is quicker than most. We still need a creative, younger, quicker, midfielder, but JM still has plenty to offer and hasn't deserved to be treated like the villain of the piece like he has been so often, despite not even playing enough to be responsible for our poor performances.
How did he get all over the pitch then...
Lost his legs but still has that quality. Wasnt as involved in the second half, but took his finish fantastically well.
Dont think he'll start against Liverpool, but in games against teams that play with a low block, he needs to play.
Dont think he'll start against Liverpool, but in games against teams that play with a low block, he needs to play.
Was such an odd few seconds for the goal. Sure I'm not alone in this, but the whole jeopardy of the moment was based solely around him getting into the box and having a shot... With no actual concern that he wouldn't score if he did.
So much so I started cheering when he shot
So much so I started cheering when he shot
Think he has to start vs Liverpool with 2 other attackers and 3 behind them.
For counter attacks think he can find the ball required to release somebody
For counter attacks think he can find the ball required to release somebody
YepWas such an odd few seconds for the goal. Sure I'm not alone in this, but the whole jeopardy of the moment was based solely around him getting into the box and having a shot... With no actual concern that he wouldn't score if he did.
So much so I started cheering when he shot
It's crazy, as soon as he ran across the defender , there wasn't much doubt
I was exactly the same!Was such an odd few seconds for the goal. Sure I'm not alone in this, but the whole jeopardy of the moment was based solely around him getting into the box and having a shot... With no actual concern that he wouldn't score if he did.
So much so I started cheering when he shot
I thought there's no chance he has the legs to get into the area, and then once he did and he was one on one with their keeper I knew without any doubt. he'd score.
Decent performance and the finish was so composed.
Ed Woodward thinking : Hmm, maybe we don't need Fernandes.
Gotta say I loved seeing those little legs move with all of their defense chasing behind him. Thought for sure someone was gonna clip him.
Mata should be one of the first names on the team sheet vs teams outside the top 6. He is a smart player with good movement off the ball and a good eye for a pass when the ball is at his feet. So when a team is sitting back and obsorbing pressure he can be one of the players who helps unlock a stingy defense. However, against one of the top teams (especially one that presses) he should only be an option off the bench...
I had 0 doubt he was going to score once through.
Weird I dont feel the same if it was Martial Rashford
Weird I dont feel the same if it was Martial Rashford
Last 4 starts, 2 goals and 4 assists.
yeah this!Has played well the last few games, and probably deserves a run in the side after the Liverpool game. However, I hope this doesn't mean we see him as a player for the long term i.e. after this season. He should be let go in the summer and we move on. His legs have gone and he will never be a consistently good player for United.
In terms of talent hes one of the best players in the team. Too bad he lost his legs, but his vision, technique and intelligence are still a level or two above our other MF options
My body is ready for another Juanfield!
Hugs
This is because Mata is still the best technical finisher in the team. He just doesn't get into those positions a lot lately, but he is a brilliant finisher.
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