Mata promises a United response ahead of Manchester derby

Manchester United crumbled from the word go at Chelsea on Sunday but Juan Mata believes his side can find strength in adversity in time for Wednesday’s derby.

The Red Devils suffered arguably their lowest moment since Jose Mourinho’s appointment as the Portuguese was beaten 4-0 on his return to his former employers.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Any gameplan United had was thrown out of the window within 30 seconds as Pedro fired Chelsea ahead – and in truth the visitors never looked like mounting a comeback.

They have just until Wednesday to regroup for the EFL Cup clash with Manchester City and defeat would dish out another blow to United’s already battered pride.

But Spain midfielder Mata insists United can right the ship by sending the blue side of Manchester home unhappy.

“By conceding an early goal the game we had in mind changed completely, and from that moment we weren’t able to come back. Chelsea had a much better start than us and we paid dearly for it,” Mata wrote on his personal blog.

“But we must carry on. Luckily, in three days we have a very important fixture, and as from now we must focus on this new opportunity to get better.

“It sounds like a cliché but it’s true: when we win and everybody praises you it’s easy to be united and celebrate together, but it is now, after such a defeat, when we must remain mentally strong and keep going. Together we win and together we lose.”