Reds on Reddit: Opinion on Opinions #8

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Credit: @ManUtd

The fans on Reddit have been reacting to the magnificent 2-1 victory over Liverpool, an eventful game that saw Steven Gerrard sent off after 38 seconds and Juan Mata hitting two goals, one of which was a beautiful overhead kick to wrap up what was a really good day at the office for United. 

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“Am I the only one who thinks that Mata should’ve been given a chance to take the penalty and complete his hat-trick?” (from Zumangatron)

While it is true that Mata undoubtedly deserved the hat-trick, Rooney is the captain and designated penalty taker. Obviously Mata would have loved to have a go but being the professional he is, he left it to Rooney without protest.

Honestly, few players in the modern game would have that attitude. Which is a shame because it is a team game, and Mata is a team player. It also shows the great spirit being restored at the club and reinforces that nobody is bigger than the club no matter how many goals that person has scored.

There is the argument that Rooney was a safer option to secure the win, the game was becoming very unpredictable and although Liverpool were down to 10 men thanks to Steven “Stompy G” Gerrard they were continuing to press. So although Mata was not taking the match ball home with 3 goals under his belt – he can be happy with the two he scored; and everyone else is more than happy with that anyway.

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“For me, Fellaini is our most important player this season. Not necessarily because he’s been the best (would rank Rooney and King Dave ahead) but because he overcame such an absolutely dreadful season last year to being absolutely crucial to our success. Takes a lot of courage and strength to overcome a full year of disappointment and feeling like maybe you don’t belong. Have a lot of respect for that man.” (from collyyyy)

He has won many plaudits this season not only for his outstanding displays, but also his attitude and determination to come back from what was a really bad first season.

It is true, everyobody should respect Fellaini because it was not an easy task. It wasn’t certain he would even be at the club this season, with many reports linking him with a move away. An early injury scuppered those plans and it proved to be a blessing in disguise because he was needed and truly stepped up to the plate.

While he will always be a ‘love him or hate him’ type of player; whatever viewpoint you have of him you have to applaud his comeback from the brink. He can be a positive example for other struggling players around the league as an example of how to do things properly even when not playing. It shows that hard work pays off.

“An international break when we are starting to hit the stride. Annoying. Hopefully we can keep the form after the break.” (from Yieldway17)

The form has been much improved in recent weeks, with the two best performances of the season arguably coming against Tottenham and then Liverpool.

In those games, the team looked and played like a team with emphasis on passing it around and opening up space for chances. Everybody helped out defensively too, which is a big bonus too but comes at a price of reducing fitness due to the extra work-rate needed to conduct such a solid effort.

Fitness can be confounded further with so many players being called up, including four on England duty in Rooney, Jones, Smalling and Carrick. Luckily Mata can be rested as he was no selected for duty with Spain, as can fellow compatriot Ander Hererra.

There is the famous saying that “form is temporary, class is permanent” but hopefully for Manchester United both will be in ample supply when the Premier League resumes after the international break.

So yes, it is annoying but it does have in fact have some positives too as discussed here by Keegan Anderson.

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