Tuesday 26 January 2016 09:03, UK
Juan Mata has told Manchester United fans there are "better moments" ahead for them following the 1-0 home defeat to Southampton on Saturday.
Boos rang around Old Trafford following the final whistle after Charlie Austin's late goal for Saints inflicted an eighth defeat of the season on the Red Devils, who produced another uninspiring performance.
Manager Louis van Gaal described it as the worst reaction he has heard from fans during his time in charge and Mata admits he can understand the strength of their feeling.
United's next match is an FA Cup tie at Derby County on Friday and the Spanish forward has vowed to give United's supporters something to cheer.
Mata delivered the message to United fans in his blog on Monday, writing: "Football doesn't stop and now it's time for the FA Cup 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 thank you for your support in the bad times, and I assure you that our only goal is to do things much better to move up the table in the Premier League and try to lift the FA Cup.
"Thanks to all of you. I'm sure that better moments will come sooner or later, and we will enjoy them much more, aware of how tough it is to get there."
The Southampton defeat left fifth-placed United five points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League table and Mata, who came on as a second-half substitute, added: "Once again I'm writing with a bad taste.
"After several games without being defeated, we lost 0-1 to Southampton in 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 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."
