It's all about honouring the shirt

Juan Mata and David De Gea have responded with some passionate words after the disappointing defeats to Barcelona and Everton in the past week.

It is clear how much the Spanish duo are hurting as the Reds exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage and now face an uphill struggle to keep any hopes of finishing in the top four of the Premier League alive.

Echoing the thoughts of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the players have accepted the performances have not been up to the level required at United.

In his weekly blog, Mata has titled a brief post: 'Honouring the shirt'.

It simply reads: “Today, I truly have no motivation to write anything. I can only imagine the disappointment and sadness that each of you has been feeling since Tuesday and I understand.

”Thank you for your unconditional support, there is only one way forward but just words aren't enough: to give everything for this shirt, for this club and for all of you.“

The midfielder was an unused substitute against both Barcelona and Everton but David De Gea started the matches and was captain for the 4-0 loss at Goodison Park.

It is clear the keeper was devastated by the overall display on Merseyside as he said on his social media accounts: “It's difficult to put what I am feeling today into words. As captain, I want to say that the performance of he team today, on top of the result, was not up to the standard expected when you pull on this shirt.

“We know that we have to improve but words mean little: we have to give everything for this club.

”Thank you for your unconditional support.“