MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYERS players must react as a unit to the shock Premier League defeat by Huddersfield said Spanish star Juan Mata on Monday.
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder added that despite trailing city rivals Manchester City by five points the title race was a long way from being decided.
Mata was taken off at half-time of the 2-1 defeat on Saturday after his being dispossessed led to the first goal.
Mata and his team-mates were lambasted by manager Jose Mourinho after their first defeat of the season with the Portuguese handler declaring that their attitude had been poor.
“We knew this moment would arrive sooner or later, although that’s something you never wish for, of course,” a contrite Mata wrote in his blog on the United website.
“Now, it’s time to learn from mistakes and keep going, as we always do, showing that the team sticks together when things don’t go so well, which is when we need it most.”
Mata, who has fought his way back into Mourinho’s affections after a rocky time when they were at Chelsea together ending with him being sold to United, said the Huddersfield result could be just a blip given the side’s form prior to the loss.
“Since the European Super Cup defeat last summer (they lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in early August), we’ve been performing really well against all kind of opponents,” said Mata.
“On Saturday, though, Huddersfield played their cards better than us and took all three points.
“All we can do now is congratulate them and move on. This is a not a sprint, but a marathon and there is still a long way to go.
“Let’s not forget that, before that game, we had got a good win in Lisbon. We beat a very good side in Benfica (1-0 last Wednesday), a team with plenty of Champions League experience.”
United can get back on the winning trail on Tuesday when the League Cup holders travel to Swansea for their last 16 clash.
Would be United’s luck to draw them and get put out
They’re destined to meet id say
Europa League is probably a good option for Valencia right now. They would’ve been outclassed in the Champions League if not in the Last 16 then in the Quarters. The Europa League should provide them with a good challenge and with a little investment and good coaching they may go on to do very well in the tournament.
Best of luck to them.
Sure with Gent beating Zenit it wouldn’t of mattered if they won or not. I wouldn’t read into it too much
Needs to take off the corporate suit and wear a team tracksuit on the sideline
Totally agree, that would make his team play better and win more games without a doubt…… NOT
Most manager in the champions lesgue wear suits. .
One game in charge and has Valencia in Europa league, it’s taken Van Gal a year and half to get UTD in.
Couldn’t have gone through even if they won. Still a bad result though