Contrite Mata wants unity

MANCHESTER United players must react as a unit to the shock Premier League defeat by Huddersfield, Spanish star Juan Mata said yesterday.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder said 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 teammates 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,” a contrite Mata wrote in his blog on the United website.

“It’s time to learn from mistakes and keep going, showing that the team sticks together when things don’t go well.”

Mata, who has fought his way back into Mourinho’s affections after a rocky time when they were at Chelsea together ended 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 [they lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in early August], we’ve been performing really well against all kinds of opponents,” Mata said.

“On Saturday, though, Huddersfield played their cards better than us and took all three points.

“All we can do 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, a team with plenty of Champions League experience.”

United can get back on the winning trail tonight when the League Cup holders travel to Swansea for their last 16 clash.– AFP