Juan Mata had done his job but he wasn’t done yet.
Anthony Martial injured. Marcus Rashford rested. Ander Herrera trying his best.
Manchester United were locked in a stalemate after 72 minutes at Carrow Road. They needed three points to maintain the Champions League-qualification squeeze on Manchester City. Norwich craved a goal to get them out of the bottom three.
Giggs: "Louis, half-time and we haven't had a shot on goal."
LVG: "Ryan… honestly… I could not give a f***"
😎🌴 pic.twitter.com/PgHd52QiHL— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 7, 2016
72 minutes in and Mata arrived at the right time, in the right place, to put United ahead.
Sebastian Bassong had a shocker in [not] dealing with an Antonio Valencia ball over the top. Wayne Rooney did the hold up work. Mata did the rest.
United were comfortable enough for the remainder – it is often the case when the opposition striker is Cameron Jerome – and the final whistle brought a much-needed United win.
Mata made a bee-line to applaud the travelling United support that had sung themselves hoarse from well before midday.
After receiving a pat on the back from David De Gea, the other United matchwinner, Mata turned to walk back to the stands but there was a request from the stands – a young, wheelchair-bound United fan was looking for a picture with his hero.
Did Mata oblige? Without hestitation, he did.
Juan Mata is an absolute hero pic.twitter.com/C0SBIgCHCF
— Patrick McCarry (@patmccarry) May 7, 2016
There is a reason why Mata is considered one of the best ambassadors for the game. Post-match, he told BT Sport:
“We do everything for them [the fans].
“They have had a difficult season. They deserve happiness so we will do everything we can to get [into the] Champions League and win the FA Cup.”
Representing for his club, on and off the pitch.
