Juan Mata is quite happy with that Rooney red!

Wayne Rooney may have been forced to enjoy an early bath and probably an earful from his manager after being sent off against West Ham United this weekend, but there is one man who could not hide his happiness at the sending off and subsequent suspension.

That man is of course Juan Mata who has seen his place in the side handed to Rooney since the arrival of Radamel Falcao and was facing a rather long and sorry spell on the bench until – if the transfer rumours are to be believed – Louis van Gaal could ship him out in January.

Now however, Rooney is facing a three match ban for his red card and there is only one option for Van Gaal and that has made one little Spaniard smile rather widely.

On a scale of City winning the title to Steven Gerrard’s slip, we think Mata is at least a getting back into the top four level of happiness sat on the bench watching events unfold!

Have a look for yourself below.

Manchester United fans. Does the Wayne Rooney red card mean a chance for Juan Mata to impress? More to the point, is Rooney skipper material? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.