Like in a movie script, the hero came from nowhere. Following Phil Jones' substitution just after five minutes of playing time, Chris Smalling managed to come into the pitch and send the first ball he touched into the back of the net, helping Manchester United take the lead against Burnley.
Even with Danny Ings equalizer six minutes later, Manchester United were determined to make their home field advantage count. And who were they going to call? Chris Smalling! Once again with a header, United's number 12 sent the ball past Tom Heaton, giving the Red Devils a lead that they would never lose again.
After the break, Burnley tried hard to equalize, but David De Gea kept his goal unbeaten. Just when the game entered its final stretch, Angel Di Maria was brought down inside Burnley's box, with Robin Van Persie taking the responsibility of shooting the penalty kick. The Dutch striker made it count, and now Louis Van Gaal's team will sleep in the Premier League's third place, following Southampton's scoreless draw against West Ham.
Chris Smalling's antics on the pitch were not overlooked by United fans all over the world. We give you the best comments and tweets after his great performance.
Chris Smalling making history! First player in the BPL to come on as a sub and score a brace in the first half! #MUFC
— Charlie Gibbs (@DeGeaOurSaviour) February 11, 2015
Chris Smalling had the game of his life hahaha
— Conor Ball (@ConorBall2126) February 11, 2015
My views on RVP were sealed tonight when he took a penalty instead of letting Chris Smalling score a hat-trick. Shameful stuff.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) February 11, 2015
Chris Smalling pic.twitter.com/Ek4KtpIqSf
— Funny Football (@FunnyFutball) February 11, 2015
5th Minute: Chris Smalling subbed on. 6th Minute: Man United 1-0 Burnley (Chris Smalling) pic.twitter.com/yWDWIX3Gov
— BBC Sporf (@BBCSporf) February 11, 2015
Bantz RT @ManUtd_Fact: 3: Chris Smalling has now scored three times as many league goals as Mario Balotelli this season.
— Freezus (@PotatoLuvr) February 11, 2015
Chris Smalling substituted on in the 5th minute. Chris Smalling scores in the 6th minute. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/drzLMyuBex
— Unibet (@unibet) February 11, 2015
Smalling on for a hat trick. That doesn’t even look right
— Andy Goldstein MBE (@andygoldstein05) February 11, 2015
Given Manchester United have a dearth of top quality strikers, it's perhaps worth sticking Smalling up front.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 11, 2015
LVG brings on Smalling after 5 mins and he scores both goals! #MUNBUR #MUFC pic.twitter.com/PxuKm7WUlz
— BetVictor (@BetVictor) February 11, 2015