Juan Mata has told the Manchester United supporters that he understands their "frustration" following Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils, who are five points off a Champions League spot, created just one shot on target in their Premier League match at the weekend.

Louis van Gaal's side were undone by an 87th-minute goal from Charlie Austin, who was making his Southampton debut following a switch from Queens Park Rangers.

On his weekly blog, Mata wrote: "It hurts, it really does. It was the perfect time to get the three points and stretch the good streak in 2016, but we couldn't make it. It wasn't a good game from any of the teams - a draw would have been a fair result (although not good enough for us), but a late goal from Austin after a free-kick took the points away from us.

"It's another tough moment, for you and for us, but we must get through this. I understand your frustration, because we feel the same way, but we have to carry on.

"Football doesn't stop and now it's time for the FA Cup. And we want to fight for this trophy for you. We feel bad every time we get a bad result, but it hurts even more for you. We must get better results for you, I hope this beautiful competition will provide them."

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that Van Gaal is on the brink of losing his job after executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward held discussions with the players.