Monday 12 September 2016 11:08, UK
Juan Mata has told Manchester United to get over their derby defeat quickly or risk further disappointment this week.
Manchester City's 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday ended Jose Mourinho's 100 per cent start at United, who face trips to Feyenoord and Watford in the space of four days later this week.
But Mata - dropped to the bench at the weekend after starting the first three Premier League games of the season - wrote in his weekly blog: "I think there is no time for mourning.
"On the contrary, it's time to analyse the aspects of our game that we need to improve, and carry on with hope and motivation. It was an important game, but let's be realistic: the season has just started and there is still a long way to go.
"Obviously, the result was painful for us, both for the fans and for the team. Losing a derby is always something tough to take, but I'm sure there are many good moments for us to enjoy in the next few months."
The immediate consequence of United's first defeat of the season will be a change to the starting line-up for Thursday's Europa League game in Rotterdam, with Mourinho indicating Marcus Rashford has done enough to warrant a start.
"Feyenoord have one European Cup in their trophy cabinet and they are having a great start of the season, with five wins in five league games," Mata said. "It's going to be a very demanding debut in this competition."
And looking ahead to Sunday's game at Watford he said: "Last season we struggled a lot to beat them, both at home and away, so I have no reason to think it's going to be easy this time."
