Community Shield: Man Utd’s Juan Mata replaced because of height

Manchester United celebrate with the trophy after winning the FA Community Shield against Leicester City at Wembly Stadium, on Sunday, August 7, 2016.

Indeed, in his post match interview, following Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s late headed victor against Leicester City in United’s 2-1 Community Shield victory, Van Gaal was among the unexpected recipients of the Portuguese’s gratitude.

A goal of individual brilliance saw Jesse Lingard put United ahead before Jamie Vardy equalized for Leicester following a Marouane Fellaini mistake just after half-time.

Ranieri also praised both Leicester and United for their part in the game, which was won by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s late debut header.

News of Van Gaal’s departure as United manager, to be replaced by Mourinho, had been leaked in the aftermath of the Cup final win against Crystal Palace in May.

The Swedish superstar rose highest to nod home Antonio Valencia’s cross in the 83rd minute as Jose Mourinho’s tenure as United manager began with an entertaining victory over Leicester at Wembley. “We are a team and they understand that”.

One United player who looked less than happy with his afternoon’s work was Juan Mata, who had been introduced to the fray with 25 minutes remaining, only to be subbed himself in added time. But he insisted the Spain worldwide now understands why he was replaced.

I would be not ambitious if I say that we had a fantastic performance because it was not a fantastic performance.

“I know I did something that is not nice to do, to take Mata off in the last minute”.

“In the second half when they increased the pace by bringing on three quick players in Gray and Musah plus Vardy, they changed the game to their style”. The team isn’t fit enough yet.

Explaining the decision to substitute the player, Mourinho explained: “We were winning 1-0, late on, and I had one substitution left”.

“This is my 31st trophy”.

“It is why I came here, and hopefully there will be more”. We are realistic. If we are mentioned along with those big teams, okay, we will take it, but we are only Leicester City.

“No pre-season in China, a very bad pre-season, so I think step by step we are changing, but I think it’s always important to start with a trophy”.

“I feel very good”.