Mata forced to watch on in United’s top four challenge

Juan Mata admits it’s been frustrating watching from the sidelines as Manchester United’s top four hopes were dented this weekend with a goalless draw against West Brom.

United were without their Spanish playmaker who is recovering from surgery to his groin and will be absent for a number of weeks.

Without Mata, United failed to score in their clash with the Baggies and stayed fifth in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.

They will have the chance to make up some of that gap this week with a clash against Everton on Tuesday, but for Mata it’s been a trying time as he is reduced to a watching brief.

(Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

He said: “This situation is new for me, after having surgery this week, but I feel positive and I’m looking forward to getting well and trying to help the team.

“Watching a game of your team on TV is not the best possible experience, but I had to do it on Saturday.

“It was a shame that we weren’t able to get the three points because now we would be in a better position, especially after the draw between Arsenal and [Manchester] City, but we have to keep going.

“We had some chances to score that goal that sometimes is so difficult to get, but we couldn’t make them. Now we have to focus on the next game, against Everton at home this Tuesday, and try to win this one.

“At this moment, we’re being unlucky in terms of players injured or suspended. I hope the situation gets better from now until the end of the season.”