Juan Mata issues apology for humbling Norwich City loss

It certainly hasn't been a stellar campaign for Manchester United so far, but its latest setback against Norwich City has prompted midfielder Juan Mata to apologise to the club's fans.

Goals from Cameron Jerome and Alex Tettey were enough to engineer a 2-1 win for the visiting Canaries, and the result was met with derision by the Old Trafford home support.

"We feel deeply sorry for the fans. I think they're incredible, so we have to do better for them," the Spaniard told MUTV. "Everyone's frustrated; the fans, the staff and especially us."

The loss leaves United nine points adrift of table-topping Leicester City, and out of the Champions League places.

"It's time for us to show that we're strong, we have to fight in every game and get back to getting good results as soon as possible. It's Christmas time, a crucial time, so we have to do it."

After a Boxing Day fixture in the difficult surroundings of Stoke City's Britannia Stadium, United then welcomes an improved Chelsea to Stretford on Dec. 28.