The Mata Substitution
- Thread starter the hea
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He wanted to bring Miki on to waste time not for added height
Fair enough, never heard of a footballer that wasn't angry or disappointed at being subbed, especially as he was a sub himself. The media are making more of it than it is though with Luckhurst ridiculous observation that he had to be restrained...
Is Mata still doing his blog? Might get some clarifications.
Let's just send him lots of hugs on twitter and Instagram and all the other social media platforms. I'm sure he'll get over it.
Think Mata was pissed at first but then Mou gave him an explanation and he laughed, probably pissed to be subbed yes but I don't think there is much in it
Mourinho explained himself quite well tbh. I don't think Mata will have too much of an issue when he watches the interview, especially when Jose also said Mata did everything that was asked of him on the pitch.
It was strange at the time but Mourinho's explanation makes sense I suppose. Mourinho clearly wanted to win this game, I don't think there can be any doubts about his hunger to succeed here. And if he wanted Mata gone, one would imagine he'd be in the reserves with Schweinsteiger.
It seemed a bit weird that on of the coaches was doing all the explaining but from the clips after that it's abundantly clear it's a non-story. Putting that in the same sphere as what's happening with Schweinsteiger is just ridiculous.
Not surprising that the media is going to try to spin this that Mata was angry or needed to be "restrained", Mata isn't stupid, we're trying to hold a 2-1 lead in the dying moments of the game and we needed added height. Unfortunate that he isn't taller or better in the air but that's just the way it is. Non story here.
I guess, but his explanation was he took Mata off because he's the smallest when Miki isn't much taller. Could have taken someone else off then if he just wanted to waste time?
Anyway, I hope Mata doesn't dwell on this. Better to just move on.
He said he took Mata off because he was the smallest player and the game was going to end in long balls.
Well if there was any beef with mata and mou then he would not be in the 18 at all. He would be doing what Bastian is, Media would want it over played, but i think The manager will laugh about it.
The BT pundits said that Mkhitaryan isn't massive at 5'10", but he is still almost 3 inches taller than Mata. Much physically stronger aswell so it was a perfectly acceptable decision.
I think those that are saying "disgraceful behaviour" from Jose need to question there judgement and themselves as fans....
Mourinho is ruthless.
Poor Mata
I'm sure he'll get over it, but it must be frustrating watching Rooney giving the ball away time after time in your position and you're hooked off after a very tidy half. He can be a top player for us this season. I hope he stays.
Poor Mata
I'm sure he'll get over it, but it must be frustrating watching Rooney giving the ball away time after time in your position and you're hooked off after a very tidy half. He can be a top player for us this season. I hope he stays.
No, height was not an issue... because he didn't sub either of the tall guys.
He said he wanted to take someone off to waste time and it wasn't going to be Ibrahimovic or Fellaini as they are tall so it was Rashford, Herrera and Mata to pick from. Mata is the smallest so he went for him
It's not that complicated
Who cares.
white text clearly not working ? poor management
I'm pissed!
Angry Mata after being substituted.
- Hugs
Can't tell if this is a windup.
There was an interview that Jose said very clearly and I think he did to all the players he mention that will be part of the squad that it's a squad game and every players that being part of the squad will have to play for the team, be it one minute as a sub.
From what it look likes, Mata maybe not happy but I think he will understand that it's for tactical purpose. He might need explanation afterward but I think with his intelligence, he would understand it and take it as adult.
Media just want to have some story to write from now till atleast the window closed. Not much transfer story for them especially pogba already wrapped up.
From what it look likes, Mata maybe not happy but I think he will understand that it's for tactical purpose. He might need explanation afterward but I think with his intelligence, he would understand it and take it as adult.
Media just want to have some story to write from now till atleast the window closed. Not much transfer story for them especially pogba already wrapped up.
feck the English media, let's relocate to Korea.
6 pages, wtf is happening
It's just a typical tactical move by Mourinho. Mata may have initially felt disappointed but he's a professional and will have quickly forgotten about it.
As usual it's a case of a mountain being made from a mole hill and any excuse to turn something in to a big drama. In reality there's nothing to see here.
As usual it's a case of a mountain being made from a mole hill and any excuse to turn something in to a big drama. In reality there's nothing to see here.
? And why Korea?
What was disrespectful?
I'm in Korea, and I can tell you it is moments like this that make me thankful I don't have to listen to the English commentators talking nonsense
I love this thread. Why is nobody taking into account mkhy's feeelings, hes been sent on for 60 seconds, I'd be more pissed off if I was him
He wanted to waste time; takes off the shortest player. Pretty simple logic behind that really. He is not going to go out and say he wanted to waste time though.
Just about sums up the shocking state of journalism these days.
It was the right move. Can't believe mata even looked suprised. Wasn't as if it was eboue style.
Pointless discussion, there is nothing to look in this incident.
This is actually Mata's angry face. He's just like the anti-Valencia, and never stops smiling.
Angry Mata after being substituted.
Six subs, so fewer starters to pick from. We needed the height of the players left that started. Nothing story.
Hence proved Jose loves Mata. He couldn't care less about Mata when he was best player at Chelsea 2 years back, but suddenly developed man-love for him an United.
It's pre-season, it doesn't matter who plays now and where. I am not indicating anything on this game. But even my dog knows that Mata is finished at United.
I can't believe this is even up for discussion, just a time filler for BT Sports programme to carry on because they had run out of other things to talk about.
Wait till the story does a few rounds then it wiil be "Mata needed to be restrained from belting Mou" obviously what Mourinho said after match is the truth. Taller players needed to defend against Leicester high ball tactics in the closing stages. And Mata done all that was asked of him.