Mata ‘angry’ after Man United draw with Stoke

Juan Mata admits Manchester United’s failure to put away Stoke has sent him into the international break “angry”.

United dominated the Premier League strugglers on Sunday afternoon but a combination of modest finishing and a man-of-the-match showing from goalkeeper Lee Grant saw them settle for a 1-1 draw.

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

Penning an open letter on United’s official website, Mata said: “As I’m writing this 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 has more time than most of his club-mates having been left out of the Spain get together this week.