Juan Mata red card: Manchester United midfielder branded 'stupid' after picking up two yellow cards in 25 minutes

Mata was shown two yellow cars in 158 seconds by referee Mike Dean during United's Premier League clash with West Brom

Juan Mata walks past Louis van Gaal after being sent-off (Reuters)

Juan Mata left his Manchester United team-mates up against it in the Premier League encounter with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday after he managed to pick up two bookings inside 26 minutes and earn himself an early bath.

The midfielder was booked in the 24th minute for encroachment after he prevented former United midfielder Darren Fletcher from taking a quick free-kick by charging in front of the ball and blocking it inside the 10 yards required to be given.

His game would last just 158 second more, when he charged in on Fletcher and attempted to hack the ball clear, only to reach it a split-second too late and clatter into the Scotland international’s shins.

Referee Mike Dean clearly deemed the challenge worthy of a second yellow card, and the Spaniard was sent-off for the first time in his career, much to manager Louis van Gaal’s annoyance and visible frustration. The United manager was unoved as Dean dished out the second booking before producing a red card, and glared at the player as he walked off slowly down the tunnel.

Needless to say, United fans were left furious with Mata’s actions, and took to social media to vent their anger – along with supporters of other clubs who saw the funnier side.

Mata will now serve a one-match suspension as punishment for the red card, meaning he will miss United’s FA Cup sixth round clash with West Ham next weekend, though he will be available for the derby against Manchester City the following weekend.