United loss was just a Juan-off
JUAN MATA has urged Manchester United to show that their shock defeat at Huddersfield was just a blip.
Holders United go to Swansea for a fourth-round tie tonight smarting over scathing criticism from Jose Mourinho for their lacklustre performance against the newlypromoted Terriers.
Mourinho accused his players of having the wrong attitude and Mata, who gave the ball away for the second goal, says tonight’s game offers a chance for some speedy redemption.
He said: “It’s time to show that Saturday’s slip-up is an isolated case and that we remain in the same good direction we took at the beginning of the season.
“Now it’s time to learn from mistakes and keep going, as we always do, showing that the team sticks together when things Injuries to Phil Jones and Eric Bailly mean Victor Lindelof is set to keep his place in the back four despite his nightmare at Huddersfield.
Key trio David de Gea, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic are set to be rested ahead of the Saturday lunchtime showdown against Tottenham.
Swansea boss Paul Clement has admitted for the first time his squad is unbalanced as he prepares to face United. The Swans are struggling in 15th place in the Premier League and Clement has seen summer signings Renato Sanches, Wilfried Bony, Roque Mesa and Sam Clucas make little impact.
“I’ve got the players I have, but the balance is slightly off because we’re potentially a little bit heavier in midfield than we would have liked,” Clement said. “We’re a little bit short at the back, particularly in the left-back spot.
“We’ve got a slight imbalance there. I’ve got the squad until January 1, so I’ve no complaints about it.”
Both Bayern Munich loanee Sanches and striker Bony will miss the game with United due to injury, but midfielder Roque Mesa will start.
The £11million summer arrival from Las Palmas has made just three Premier League appearances and hinted in the Spanish press over the weekend he may look to move elsewhere.
Clement insists he is not worried about the Spaniard.
“I don’t read too much into Roque’s comments,” said Clement. “He has a long-term contract and we want him here.”