Mata: Man United's players are feeling the pain as bad as the supporters after defeat to Southampton

Mata  at Old Trafford in Manchester

Juan Mata claims he understands the frustrations of the Manchester United fans because the players feel just as bad as them.

Louis van Gaal and his players were booed off after Saturday's defeat to Southampton at Old Trafford and Mata knows they let the supporters down.

Writing in his weekly blog on the United website, Mata said: "Once again, I'm writing with a bad taste. After several games without being defeated, we lost 0-1 to Southampton at Old Trafford. And it hurts, it really does.

"It was the perfect time to get the three points and stretch the good streak in 2016, but we couldn't make it.

"It wasn't a good game from any of the teams, a draw would have been a fair result (although not good enough for us), but a late goal from Charlie Austin after a free-kick took the points away from us.

"It's another tough moment, for you and for us, but we must get through this. I understand your frustration, because we feel the same way, but we have to carry on."

Mata says Friday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Derby offers United a chance of redemption and says the players will do their best to grab it.

"Football doesn't stop and now it's time for the FA Cup," he added. "And we want to fight for this trophy for you.

"We feel bad every time we get a bad result, but it hurts even more for you. We must get better results for you, I hope this beautiful competition will provide them.

"We play against Derby County, a historical team in England; they got great results, especially in the Seventies. But as I said, I hope we can make a good game, get through the next round and start another good run of results."

United's players have another 24 hours to reflect on the Southampton loss after Van Gaal gave them Monday off.

It is understood the United boss is in Holland for his daughter's birthday and is not expected back at Carrington until tomorrow.