Van Gaal blasts Mata of 'damaging' Man Utd in West Brom drubbing

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has slammed Juan Mata for receiving a red card, saying that the midfielder had 'damaged' the club's chances of victory during their defeat to West Bromwich in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old was sent off for the first time in his career just after 26 minutes.

He received two yellow cards- one for preventing a quick free-kick and the second for a challenge on West Bromwich midfielder Darren Fletcher.

"The first yellow card I think was stupid because you know in advance it's a yellow card, but the second, you know you already have one yellow card, you have to take into account with the second, it's difficult. You damage the benefit of the team," the 64-year-old was quoted as saying by goal.com.

The Dutchman, however, believes that the referee should have taken into account Mata's character before sending him off.

With the defeat, United have slipped to sixth spot and are three points behind the fourth-placed Manchester City. They will next lock horns with Crystal Palace.