Mata disappointed over Man Utd’s failure to beat Stoke

Juan Mata admits Manchester United’s failure to beat Stoke has left him “feeling angry” heading into the international break.

United dominated against Mark Hughes’ side on Sunday but a combination of modest finishing and a man-of-the-match showing from visiting goalkeeper Lee Grant meant they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Mata was among those to be denied by Grant, the on-loan Derby ‘keeper 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.

Writing an open letter on United’s official website, Mata said: “I’m feeling angry because the team played really well but we didn’t win.

“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.

“With only one point instead of three we are not in the best mood to take the international break, but we are aware that, at our level, everything is possible this season.”

Mata will have more time than most of his club-mates to dwell on the opening phase of the season having been left out of the Spain get-together this week.