---
title: "Manchester United: Fans hammer Solskjaer verdict that Juan Mata has ‘pace’"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/manchester-united-fans-hammer-solskjaer-verdict-that-juan-mata-has-pace/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Manchester United Football Club"
published: "2020-01-16T21:30:03Z"
modified: "2020-01-31T10:40:39Z"
---

# Manchester United: Fans hammer Solskjaer verdict that Juan Mata has ‘pace’

**Speaking after Manchester United’s [1-0 FA Cup third-round replay victory](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51093972) over Wolves on Wednesday evening, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of respect for match-winner Juan Mata – going on to highlight his skill, composure and even [‘pace’](https://tribuna.com/en/manutd/news/3546455/) in a post-match interview with [BT Sport via MU Live.](https://tribuna.com/en/manutd/news/3546455/)**

The Norwegian gaffer had plenty to be happy about following a solid outing from United’s perspective, getting the job done and managing to book their place in the fourth round, even if current star forward Marcus Rashford was [forced off](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-marcus-rashford-forced-injury-21289487) due to injury after coming on as a substitute. Rashford may not be back before spring when fans will be searching out the [best bookies for the Grand National](https://bet-grand-national.co.uk/best-bookies-for-grand-national/) this year.

However, speaking after the match, Solskjaer appeared to claim that midfielder Mata possesses [‘pace’](https://tribuna.com/en/manutd/news/3546455/) – prompting many United supporters to question the assessment on social media. Indeed, the Spaniard notched a crucial winning goal just past the hour mark with a [superb finish](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/manchester-united-vs-wolves-player-ratings-juan-mata-goal-fa-cup-result-draw-a9285601.html), whilst also accumulating an impressive 91% pass success rate from midfield and a 7.73 rating on[WhoScored.com.](https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1442812/Live/England-FA-Cup-2019-2020-Manchester-United-Wolverhampton-Wanderers)

As a result of the manager’s comments, supporters have been confused over the debatable verdict that Mata possesses a degree of pace – here’s what they had to say on Twitter.

> This man has no shame
>
> — 🔰⚽️ (@flawlessmartial) [January 15, 2020](https://twitter.com/flawlessmartial/status/1217565451275984896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Pace? Utterly deluded.
>
> — James Norris (@nozzla) [January 16, 2020](https://twitter.com/nozzla/status/1217717313039933440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> He doesn’t have pace lol composed finish though.
>
> — Mancunian Red (@RedMancunian99) [January 15, 2020](https://twitter.com/RedMancunian99/status/1217565218106236933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Defo not the pace he needed a 10m head start
>
> — Scholesy (@02cmalone) [January 15, 2020](https://twitter.com/02cmalone/status/1217569775947259904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> He truly become comedian.
>
> — Kuri (@kuriopi) [January 15, 2020](https://twitter.com/kuriopi/status/1217565651277164544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Did I just read pace or am I going blind😂😂😂
>
> — Bysaints (@bysaints641) [January 15, 2020](https://twitter.com/bysaints641/status/1217565497316782086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

***United fans, do you think Mata has pace in his game? Join the discussion by commenting below…***