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Special Juan













The world today is not the easiest of places if you are a nice guy. The common saying is that you need to be a bit ‘nasty’ to get what you deserve. Doing the right thing, rarely leads to the right result. Therefore, I am so glad that the world has people like Juan Mata – a guy who bucks the trend and has yet managed to be a really top football player.

Juan is one of those players, fans can easily relate to. He is genuine, doesn’t have a false ego about him and most importantly gives it his all whenever he is on the football pitch. What is also admirable is how genuine his Monday blogs are, they are a true reflection of how most of us have felt about the game. Those of us who watch MUTV are well aware of how willingly he participates in community outreach programs. The number of instances where he has gone out of his way to reach out to fans is a hallmark of his character.

You see ex-players going on about having big characters in the dressing room (not that I disagree), but having quality human beings like Juan Mata goes a long way in keeping those around him earnest. Success is a heady cocktail when you are at a big club like Manchester United – especially if you are a young player. So someone like Juan can be an amazing role model for them and show them to how keep their feet firmly on the ground – in this day and age of quick fire limelight.

Last night, Juan Mata hit double figures in goals for the third season running. Add to this his countless assists and consider the fact that he has rarely been a regular starter – his tally is outstanding. Many would have predicted his exit in the summer, but he has stayed and earned the right to play. Staying at Manchester United isn’t the hardest thing in the world given the high wages on offer. But, earning the right to have a guaranteed place in all matchday squads and playing – especially under a manager you don’t have the best of history with – shows a special kind of resolve.

Juan’s contract renewal is due in the summer and I for one hope that he gets it. He is one of those players whose game won’t be affected by his age - as he doesn’t rely on pace but more on finesse. A lot of chatter has been going on about who should be the next Manchester United captain when Rooney moves on. I for one think that Juan should atleast be considered. Football is changing, the nosiest guy on the pitch may not necessarily make a good leader in the dressing room. Maybe it is time to give it to someone who brings calmness to proceedings. Juan is one of those players whose is super consistent, always impacts the game and is just happy to help his team – even if it is from the bench. Everytime I have seen Juan with the armband on the pitch, I have noticed his teammates play much better, they are not unnecessarily rushing thing, his calm personality clearly rubs off on them. Maybe just maybe it is time that the Red Devils consider a saint as their leader.

P.S:
To Juan,
You are working your way into United folklore. History will remember you among the pantheon of greats to have graced Old Trafford.
Hugs,

From all Manchester United Fans

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