I think he wasn't doing a good job on Galloway. And with a 2 goal lead, he wasn't worth the risk.
8
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 54
- Goals
- 11
- Assists
- 11
- Yellow cards
- 7
- Red cards
- 1
- Status
I think it was proven to be the right call, taking him off, because we needed what Lingard offered - better protection for Darmian and the ability to stretch the pitch bringing counter attacks into play. I love Mata but, like Blind, there are games and circumstances that do not suit him.
Louis confirms it was a tactical change btw lads. No injury.
Not surprising he came off. Was playing well, but we were 2-0 up and looked comfortable.
Didn't see the game but glad he wasn't taken off because he was having a stinker. Lingard a good direct player to have on the counter. Mata is good, but he doesn't have certain qualities
Chased back after Galloway and got brushed off like a little kid against his big brother and I think that sealed him coming off.
He's just not built properly.
He's just not built properly.
Not really. He's just been fan voted as United's player of the month, ahead of everyone's new darling Martial - who even won the PL's award. He's hugely popular. His detractors just post and argue more. Tis the way of the Internet. Wayne Rooney sold more shirts than Neymar this year, yet if you glanced in his Caf thread, you'd think he was widely reviled by his own fans.
I agree there are games he's less suited to though. This is why we have a squad.
An off game. Considering his performances lately, he is allowed to have one bad game. Will be back at his best soon
Van Gaal seems to be ruthless when he notices a defensive lapse.. especially out wide. He's taken off Darmian and Valencia for making mistakes
Struggled a bit in defense but overall, did a fine job. Not a great game but that happens. Hopefully not injured, many big games coming up so hopefully just a rest with the comfortable lead.
Don't think there was anything wrong with his game, just a sub that you can make because you're 2-0 up and play in Europe midweek. Expect him to start against CSKA.
Pretty much this. And even if LVG was not happy with his performance, I have no problem if he then substitutes those players. I just wish he would do it consistently with all players
Juan has always been up and down for us really, but I get the feeling we are at a point where people aren't over reacting to his down moments.
I think LVG realised we would be counter attacking mainly, so wanted more pace on the wing. Nothing wrong with that at all. Let's be honest Matas strengths are running or defending.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...ck-at-Jose-Mourinho-over-his-Chelsea-axe.html
Mata having a bit of a dig at José... Which is pretty endearing...
Mata having a bit of a dig at José... Which is pretty endearing...
Good. Mourinho selling him really damaged Mata's reputation as so many people suddenly became convinced that something *had* to be wrong with him. No harm in Mata now pointing out that those exotic luxuries "goals" and "assists" are actually pretty useful when you need to win football matches.
Hazard - De Bruyne - Mata. Chelsea could've dominated for years.
clearly not enough of a cnut to play for Mourinho. Great comeback though, he can stick up for himself to that toxic bully
"In terms of scoring and assisting and I'm quite happy with the states, and stats don't lie. They are facts."
Couldn't help but read this in Benitez's voice in my head.
Sure I've missed it somewhere, but was he injured at Everton on Saturday? and that's why he was subbed then, and today a sub?
Nope. Apparently it was for tactical reasons vs Everton and because he needed a rest tonight.
We missed him.
Seems very surprising that call, shame he seems to absolve Rooney of treatment like this.
Just hope Mata's in the starting 11 on Sunday, Very undeserved if not.
We missed him big time. There was almost nothing serious coming from the right tonight.
He better be in the starting lineup on Sunday.
If it's all part of squad rotation that's fine. We've rotated far less than we did under Fergie and fatigue/injuries were going to happen if we kept starting the same XI. Maybe Van Gaal just likes to rest one or two players at a time?
When we lost to Arsenal Neville was asked if the players could be tired and he said only Mata and Memphis could perhaps use that excuse being wingers and playing every game. It's no surprise Van Gaal has tried to rest those two.
Rooney has missed 3-4 games this season and didn't play at all in the international break, unlike Mata who pretty much played in every game for club and country since the start of the season. Darmian was in the same situation as Mata, that's why they were rested, I think.
Man Utd 0:0 Man City
Gone missing, needs to step it up.
Quiet first half. Hopefully he can pull something out of the bag, though.
Been poor so far. I'm generally against the moaning of him playing on the right, where he's often been great, but it probably isn't the right game for it today. Hasn't been in it at all.
Yeah poor half. Even in what has been a tight game, he's been sloppy on a few occasions.
Really poor today. He's given it away in dodgy areas a few times as well.
Put Memphis on for him. Has wanted too much time on the ball today, game is too fast for him.
Bring on Janu.... Oh. Lingard. Bring on Lingard.
I'd leave Mata on for the moment. He's been very quiet, but it wouldn't be the first time where that's been the case and he's then popped up with an invaluable contribution. He's certainly one of the most likely players to offer something creative, which is what we're generally lacking right now.
Not a very good idea if there's no time and space on the pitch...
Thought he was unlucky to get booked, definitely won the ball, but probably deserved the yellow just for giving the ball away in such a shit place.
We're getting free kicks around the box, he needs to stay on the pitch.
Midfield hatchet man! 
I thought he worked hard tracking back but the game was zipping past him and he goes sideways way too much for me.
I thought he worked hard tracking back but the game was zipping past him and he goes sideways way too much for me.He didn't really do anything, I'm surprised he wasn't taken off sooner than he was.
Pretty anonymous alright.
- Status