The Spain international says he has not been affected by criticism from the press in the wake of the Red Devils' embarrassing 2-1 defeat at the hands of FC Midtjylland last week
Juan Mata insists he has not been affected by criticism from the media in the wake of Manchester United's shock defeat to FC Midtjylland last week.
The 27-year-old was singled out in some quarters after failing to suitably close down Ebere Paul Onuachu in the build up to the Danish champions' winner in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.
However ahead of the reverse fixture at Old Trafford on Thursday, Mata has dismissed the idea that the press got to him after lambasting his weak efforts to stop Midtjylland's second flying in.
"I know that we have to improve our game level in terms of how we played in Denmark. We have to play better and adapt to their team better," Mata said on Wednesday.
"No-one better than us as players knows how we felt in the game and whether we've done good or bad. I was very sad and frustrated because of the game, because of the result and because of our away fans - but not because of the media criticism."
Mata came up with a good response at the start of this week by scoring in the Red Devils' 3-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup on Monday night.
The ex-Valencia playmaker, who won the Europa League with Chelsea in 2013, admits United are determined to win the trophy this season in order to secure a place in next season's Champions League.
"Hopefully we can go as far as we can and lift the trophy because it has a double meaning for us," added Mata. "It has the meaning of winning the Europa League for the first time for this club and as well it gives the chance to play in the Champions League.”
- Goal