The only way is up

Manchester United manager David Moyes believes the signing of Juan Mata for a club record £37.1 million (€45m) proves he will not accept their present slump in fortunes.

Mata will make his debut in tonight’s Premier League clash with Cardiff at Old Trafford knowing his club have slipped six points adrift of a Champions League qualifying slot after an awful campaign.

The 3-1 defeat at Chelsea on January 19 was their seventh defeat of a season that has also seen them exit the FA Cup at the third round stage and lose a Capital One Cup semi-final to relegation threatened Sunderland.