Juan Mata’s Manchester United career ended where it should have started. Mata, a No.10, lined up on the right-hand side on his United debut against Cardiff under David Moyes in January 2014 and it set the tone for the next eight years. Back in his rightful role behind the centre forward, Mata was magisterial against Brentford
Mata’s farewell appearance to United’s season ticket holders – his first start in the league since the final day of last season – appeared charitable yet he had earned it through recent vibrant cameos.
In occupying the playmaker role usually reserved for Bruno Fernandes, Mata enhanced United’s link-up play and the relocated Fernandes stealthily met Anthony Elanga’s spirited cross to make it 1-0. Manchester United beat Brentford in their final Old Trafford match of the season in the Premier League and here are how the players rated.
Raphael Varane volleyed home his first Manchester United goal to extend their lead to three goals against Brentford.
Manchester United went two goals ahead with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes getting on the scoresheet.
Varane added to the goals by hitting a volley from a corner which deflected past the Brentford goalkeeper. The goal was his first since joining the club from Real Madrid in the summer.
Raphael Varane goal (72’) #MUNBRE [Man United vs. Brentford] #soccer #football #futbol #goal #gol pic.twitter.com/EDmso3rdA6
— All Soccer Goals (@allsoccergoals1) May 2, 2022