Mata braced for 'difficult month' at Man United

Juan Mata is gearing up for Manchester United's tough fixture list, which includes games against Chelsea, Juventus and Manchester City.

Published : Oct 18, 2018 07:59 IST

Juan Mata celebrates after scoring against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
Juan Mata celebrates after scoring against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
lightbox-info

Juan Mata celebrates after scoring against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Juan Mata said Manchester United is facing a defining month as it prepares to meet Premier League rival Chelsea and take on Juventus in the Champions League.

United is eighth and seven points off the pace ahead of its trip to joint-leader Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Red Devils have already lost three Premier League matches this season as pressure mounts on under-fire manager Jose Mourinho, who has been at the centre of reports of dressing-room unrest in Manchester.

It does not get any easier for Mourinho, with Juventus travelling to Old Trafford on Tuesday before the Serie A champion hosts United in Turin on November 7, while a derby against Manchester City looms four days later.

United midfielder Mata, who scored in the club's remarkable 3-2 comeback against Newcastle United prior to the international break, is braced for a tough fixture list.

READ | Pogba and Mourinho disagreement over Instagram video, confirms Pereira

"It's definitely a difficult month," Mata said. "We have very tough rivals in the Premier League and play Juventus in the Champions League."

"But, if we have good results, it could be a very good month, in terms of points, mindset and confidence. Let's see where we are in November and December. I think it's an exciting month ahead."

United's match in London will see Mata return to Chelsea, where the 30-year-old Spaniard won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup before leaving for Old Trafford in 2014.

"I had very good memories from Stamford Bridge and from the fans," said Mata. "I was there for two and a half years, so before and after the game I see some friendly faces - but that goes away when you're on the pitch."

"Our aim is to change the negative run of results at Chelsea. We will try to be clinical in the chances we have, defend well and play with confidence. We have to believe we can win, we need that mentality in those important games."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment