The majority of that isn't in response to anything I said but just a perception of peoples views on Rooney, Mata and statistics and who you think should play.
It doesn't address Rooneys position and Van Gaals reluctance to play him upfront. Not apparent, it's an issue he's brought up himself.
And again, you can't really use Southampton game as a stick to beat Mata with as a midfielder but then ignore Rooney's involvement further up the pitch. This game, we were at home, played it out from the back better (still bad, but better) and Rooney being deeper and Mata further forward was a much better combination than the other way round last Monday.
You can't really pinpoint all the good to Rooney in this game and the bad to Mata in the last game though. The stats show that Mata got hold of the ball, in deep positions (so clearly wasn't shying away like you pointed out) and besides Rooneys reaching long balls was just as progressive. Not using the stats, you can see his influence bringing the ball forward from deep in all 3 of our goals. In terms of production, a goal, a key pass for a goal and an assist? Aswel as very tidy possession and a good amount of it for his position?
He did well. So did Rooney. Both better than last week. Rooney is in tremendous form for the most part.
As for the peoples perception on Rooney comment. I do actually agree, but you're definitely guilty of it yourself to the contrary. To tie him with De Gea and say he was 'miles ahead of all others on the pitch' is tosh.
