Mata sent off as Manchester United falls to West Brom

London - Juan Mata was sent off as Manchester United's hopes of Champions League qualification were dealt a serious setback in a 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

The Spaniard received two quick-fire bookings mid-way through the first half, for blocking a free-kick and then taking a swipe at Darren Fletcher, and West Brom made their numerical advantage count in the 66th minute when Salomon Rondon netted his fourth goal in six Premier League games.

It ended United's recent revival of four straight wins and left Louis van Gaal's side in sixth place, three points below the Champions League berths having played a game more than fourth-place Manchester City.

United is now in danger of being caught by forthcoming Europa League opponents Liverpool, who is three points behind the Red Devils with a game in hand following a last-gasp 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.

Mata was shown his first yellow card in the 24th minute at The Hawthorns for blocking Fletcher's free-kick and saw red two minutes later for clumsily swinging his foot at the former United midfielder.

Craig Dawson almost put West Brom in front immediately, only for his ambitious 25-yard lob to fall inches wide of the left-hand post.

Having survived until half-time, United started the second half strongly and threatened through young forwards Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard.

But West Prom claimed the points when Venezuelan striker Rondon gathered Sebastien Pocognoli's drilled left-wing cross before slamming home left-footed to lift Tony Pulis's men 15 points clear of the bottom three, effectively securing its survival.