In Manchester United's 2-1 win over Wolves, Mata scored the winning goal from the penalty spot. After scoring his first Premier League goal of the season, Mata pointed to the sky with his right hand and sent a flying kiss, which he proved after the game was dedicated to his mother's soul.
Mata's mother, Marta Garcia, sadly passed away in March of this year after a long illness, and it was inevitable that I would have the most difficult season of my life. I expected to score for my mom and thank God I succeeded. That's why this goal, and every goal I score in the future, is for her, Mata explained after the game.
Before the shot, Mata needed a long wait as referee Mike Dean had to watch the VAR acknowledgement on the sidelines. They took a long time to view it and the Spanish midfielder recalled that on the field, I felt it was a penalty but the referee needed moments to recognize it. It's never easy to wait on the field, but luckily my penalty kick was good and the goalkeeper pounced on the other side ......
Mata also played a prank on United's number one penalty taker, his close friend Bruno Fernandes: Bruno, now you watch it, haha!
The match was thought to be a possible parting shot for Mata's Manchester United and the penalty could be his final goal, but the 33-year-old Spanish veteran is not planning to comment on his personal issues ahead of the UEFA Cup final. I don't know yet, there's an important competition in three days and that's what I'm thinking about at the moment. I feel that I can still play good matches and give a great contribution to the team, Mata said. It's not a question of commenting on the future, I still want to play a few more years, that's what the salon knows very well.
Mata's contract with United expires next month, and should he move on his own, Solskjaer could recall Lingard, who has scored nine goals since his loan move to West Ham this season, as a backup in the No. 10 position. Because United bid £30 million for Ling Huang, and West Ham can not afford his £100,000 a week salary requirements, and thus he is no longer likely to join permanently.
Lingard was also suspected of leaving West Ham after locking up a place in the UEFA Cup in the final round of the Premier League, saying he would leave with fond memories.
