Manchester United: Juan Mata 'could not have imagined' defeat

Juan Mata was at fault for Leicester's fourth goal on Sunday when he lost possession in the build-up to Jamie Vardy's goal

Manchester United's Juan Mata has admitted he could not have imagined the Reds' 5-3 defeat at Leicester.

Manager Louis van Gaal started with big-money signings Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Radamel Falcao.

But Premier League newcomers Leicester overturned a 3-1 deficit to win 5-3 as they dominated the last half-hour.

"I keep thinking about how we lost a game that was under control," said Mata, 26. "I could not imagine a day like this."

The Spain international midfielder echoed the sentiments of Van Gaal, with the Dutchman claiming United had the "game in our pocket" but threw it away.

"On our way back to Manchester I was thinking about what had happened and felt as disappointed as all those that came with us to the stadium," said Mata, on his personal website.

"Honestly, I feel very sorry that the weekend ended up for our fans in such a sad way."

The result left United in the bottom half of the table, with only one victory so far this season, but moved a jubilant Leicester up to seventh with eight points from five games.

Former Leicester defender Matt Elliott believes Nigel Pearson's side deserve huge credit for how they have adapted to life at a higher level.

"In the Championship last year they could take the game to the opposition a lot more freely," Elliott told BBC Radio 5 live.

"This year they've had to change their style of play and that comes from the manager.

"So far they've shown a lot of football intelligence as well as ability, and full credit must be given to Nigel and his players."