Mata admits Man Utd fans deserved better following 3-0 defeat to Liverpool

The honeymoon period following his £37.1 million transfer from Chelsea did not last long for Juan Mata. Much was expected from the Spaniard when he signed in the final few days of the transfer window, but the midfielder has already been part of several bad results for Manchester United. Apart from a few assists, he has been unable to play a major role in almost 2 months. Of course, it was always difficult for the 25-year-old coming halfway through the season and into a club that is rolling down the hill at a furious pace.

David Moyes has also been criticised for Mata’s ineffectiveness, as he has used the Spaniard often on the wings whereas he was at his best playing in a central role for Chelsea. Sunday’s 3-0 defeat was one of Mata’s disappointing days as a Manchester United player especially considering that he was substituted for 35-year-old Rio Ferdinand towards the end of the match. After the encounter, he has thanked his fans in his blog. He said:

"There are no words to describe your support in the stadium. In games like yesterday it makes me mad not being able to give you what you deserve.

“I know there is nothing I can say right now but at least I want you to know how I feel.

"The storm will pass and the sun will rise again. I have no doubt."

United were at one of their worst in recent years, as they crumbled to a 3-0 defeat against archrivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. The defeat was especially hard on United fans since they not only had to witness the club slipping down the table, but also Liverpool moving closer to the top. After having rejoiced at the failures of Liverpool since 1990, United fans were at the end of ‘we are going to win the league’ jibes from the visiting supporters.

The club came into the match on the back of a convincing 3-0 win over West Brom last weekend. It finally looked like Moyes was getting to know his best team, but this match has raised more questions than answers. The storm, then, has to pass quickly.