Mata says sorry for red card

JUAN Mata has apologised after being sent off for the first time in his career in Manchester United’s defeat at West Brom.

The midfielder collected two yellow cards in 158 seconds during the first half of United’s 1–0 loss at The Hawthorns on Sunday.

Defeat was a huge blow to United’s Champions League hopes and they are three points behind fourth–placed rivals Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

United now face a crunch month with Europa League last 16 meetings against Liverpool, while also playing West Ham and City.

Mata walked after just 26 minutes, for blocking a free–kick and for a wild swipe at Darren Fletcher. He has said sorry for leaving his team–mates in the lurch.

“After almost 500 games as a professional player, I was sent off for the first time in my career at West Brom. As you can imagine, it’s not easy for me to write these lines,” the Spain international wrote later. “What matters is to move forward and to always learn from each situation. And so I will.”