“What a waste of a beautiful player” – Manchester United fans salute ‘underused’ star after his impressive display in 3-0 win over Brentford
Manchester United fans hailed veteran attacking midfielder Juan Mata, who potentially played his last home game in a United shirt, and appreciated his service to the club on Twitter, . The Red Devils secured their first win in five Premier League games following a comfortable 3-0 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday, May 2.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring as early as the ninth minute following some excellent work from Anthony Elanga on the right-hand side. United doubled their lead around the hour mark when Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty after he was bundled over by Rico Henry.
@Cristiano is in incredible form at Old Trafford!
🏠 @Cristiano is in incredible form at Old Trafford!
#MUNBRE // @ManUtd https://t.co/MYUQ8KCUho
Raphael Varane scored his first Manchester United goal to complete the rout in the 72nd minute. With this win, Ralf Rangnick's side have all but secured sixth-place and Europa League football next season.
It was an emotional evening for several players who potentially made their farewell Old Trafford appearances, including Spanish playmaker Juan Mata. The 34-year-old put on a vintage display in the Number 10 role in what was his first top-flight start of the season.
Mata has made 283 appearances for the Red Devils since his arrival from Chelsea in 2014, but is set to leave the club this summer when his contract expires.
Fans lauded the Spanish playmaker following the game, and took to Twitter to vent their frustrations about him not being properly utilized in his time at Old Trafford:
Manchester United realised 8 years too late that Juan Mata can play at No.10. #MUFC https://t.co/Xxf425eml6
@MUFCScoop Criminally Underused
@MUFCScoop What a shift by this lad
@MUFCScoop It’s agony. Yet another player left out for the things he can’t do rather than building around the things he can. What a waste of a beautiful player.
@MUFCScoop Why we played him on the right will forever confuse me
@MUFCScoop We definitely underused him & played him in the wrong position but he's never moaned never complained always showed his professionalism. Love the man
Manchester United legend laments decision to start Mata
Ralf Rangnick's decision to start a player in his mid-30s did not sit well with former United captain Roy Keane before the game. The legendary former United captain was on punditry duty for the clash.
While Mata may have enjoyed his Old Trafford swansong, Keane believes the decision to start the attacking midfielder summarized everything that was currently wrong at the club.
The Irishman said on Sky Sports (as per The Mail):
"I'm surprised. It's his first start of the season, he obviously knows he's leaving the club. There's some loyalty there, giving him a run-out."
"He came on for 20 minutes the other night (in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea) but starting a game is much different."
"It tells you where the mindset is. They are giving players a run-out for the wrong reasons.''
Mata had previously only played 59 minutes of Premier League football this season before the Brentford victory. He walked off the pitch to thunderous applause when he was substituted late on.
Nemanja Matić and Juan Mata say goodbye to Old Trafford for the very last time 👋❤️ https://t.co/u3ll97NsPd