Juan Mata has spoken of the painful feeling in Manchester United‘s dressing room after they were beaten 4-0 by Antonio Conte’s revitalised Chelsea side on Sunday.
The playmaker spent three years at Stamford Bridge before being deemed surplus to requirements by Jose Mourinho, who’s now his United boss.
Mata didn’t start the game, as he came on as a second half substitute to replace Marouane Fellaini, who took a knock from a David Luiz tackle.
The 28-year-old told Sky Sports: “This is a painful result. From the first minute it started very badly.”
Mata suggested United were drawn in and hit on the break to often.
“I felt that when we were close to their goal they scored, every time, and that was the key to the game. It is just three points, we have another important game in a few days so we need to learn from our mistakes.”
The hosts were already 2-0 up before the Spaniard arrived on the pitch, but he was unable to stop Eden Hazard waltzing through the Red Devils defence to score Chelsea’s third in the 62nd minute.
United now have to face local rivals Manchester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, before hosting a Burnley side who beat Everton 2-1 at the weekend.
The Clarets will also be able to welcome back record-signing Andre Gray following his suspension for discriminatory tweets.
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