Juan Mata sends heartfelt apology to Man United fans about Champions League exit
The Manchester United star reflects on their disappointing Champions League exit
Juan Mata insists the Manchester United players share the same frustration as the Red Devils fans about their Champions League exit.
Manchester United were handed a relatively straightforward last-16 draw against Spanish side Sevilla after Jose Mourinho’s men topped their group.
However, the Red Devils settled for a goalless draw with Sevilla in the first leg in Spain after Mourinho opted to drop Paul Pogba from the starting line-up.
The France international was omitted from the starting XI for the return leg before Pogba came off the bench for the final with 30 minutes to play.
However, the club record signing was unable to inspire a win as Sevilla substitute Wissam Ben Yedder scored twice in the 74th and 78th minute as Sevilla notched up a 2-1 win.
Manchester United haven’t reached the Champions League quarter-finals since 2014 under Scottish coach David Moyes.
Mata is hoping that the Red Devils can qualify for the Champions League next term and make amends for their humiliating exit.
“I can’t hide the disappointment that we feel after being eliminated of the Champions League,” Mata wrote on his personal blog.
“First of all I’d like to congratulate Sevilla for achieving a historic qualification for the last eight after many years where they have showed great competitiveness in Europe.
“But it doesn’t mitigate the feeling, shared with all of you, that we had the chance to be in the quarter finals and we didn’t have a good game last Tuesday.
“We are frustrated, same as you are. In the complicated moments like this one is when a team has to be more united. Together we win and together we lose.
“We aim to play the Champions League next season and hopefully make you happier than this year in the top European competition.”
Manchester United are in second place in the Premier League table and two points ahead of Liverpool FC, who have played one game more than the Red Devils.
Mourinho’s side will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup semi-finals next month.
