Juan Mata admits Manchester United's stuttering form has the team "not in the best mood" as the international break arrives. But he vows that still "everything is possible this season".
United began the Jose Mourinho era flawlessly, winning the Community Shield against Leicester City and then taking nine points from their first three Premier League matches. They appeared well on their way to a roaring campaign under the Portuguese.
Just as quickly as they got out of the gates, however, their fortunes have sagged.
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The latest indignity came on Sunday, when an otherwise fine performance – “the team played really well” Mata said – was nullified by imprecise finishing and the performance of a lifetime from Lee Grant in a 1-1 draw with second-from-bottom Stoke City.
In an open letter on Monday on United’s website, Mata wrote: “As I’m writing this I’m feeling angry because the team played really well but we didn’t win.
“With only one point instead of three we are not in the best mood to take the international break,” he added.
Mata was among those denied by Grant, the on-loan Derby County stopper making only his second Premier League appearance at the age of 33, and although Anthony Martial finally did break the deadlock Joe Allen was able to snatch a late equaliser.
The Spaniard called the result “a pity”.
“It was a pity, that’s the truth. My perception from the pitch was that we were playing a good game, creating chances, passing the ball effectively, but we couldn’t complete our job.
“We went for the victory from the beginning, we were better than Stoke and we felt that Old Trafford was supporting our effort. We have to give credit to Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant for his great performance.”
Despite the stumbles, United are still on 13 points from seven matches, within five of leaders Manchester City.
Mata said that, “We are aware that, at our level, everything is possible this season.”
*The National staff with Press Association
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