Juan Mata: Big week ahead for Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has admitted that the club face a ‘big week’ ahead, but says he and the player’s are relishing the challenge.

United bounced back from defeat at Arsenal before the international break with a dominant performance at Goodison Park, winning 3-0 thanks to goals from Morgan Schneiderlin, Ander Herrera and captain Wayne Rooney.

After that win, United now travel to Moscow to take on CSKA in the UEFA Champions League before playing host to title and city rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon and the 27 year old believes that it’s a big week for the side as they look to cement their credentials as genuine contenders.

Mata himself was substituted at half-time and replaced by the impressive Jesse Lingard, while his buddy Ander Herrera was the man of the match with a goal and assist on his return from injury. The Spaniard was happy to see Herrera back on the pitch and delivering the goods for Manchester United once again.

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Speaking on his weekly blog, Mata said;

"“This Saturday we achieved a resounding victory at Goodison Park, where it is always difficult to get the three points. I think the result speaks well of the work the team did. We knew our advantage despite Everton’s strong start and pressing. The first goal was very important, and with the second things were really in our favour. I am really happy to see my friend Ander Herrera back on the pitch, contributing his class and his ability to score goals.Everton again put some pressure at the beginning of the second half, but the third goal definitely gave us the three points. I think we played a very complete game and, especially, we had a much better start here than against Arsenal in our last Premier League game, because we controlled the ball and played mainly on Everton’s half of the pitch.”"

United’s last tie against CSKA Moscow saw Antonio Valencia score the winning goal and Mata says he will ask the Ecuadorian about his experiences, while also looking forward to next Sunday’s big derby game.

"“As from today, we are already focused on the Champions League; you know it’s a very important competition for us. We have three points after the first two weeks and the game in Moscow could be crucial. Defeating CSKA would give us momentum ahead of the last three games. More from Manchester United NewsAaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injurySofyan Amrabat set to miss game against BrightonPreview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to knowJadon Sancho set to train away from first team squadMike Phelan blasts Manchester United teammates over Ronaldo exit“I’ve been told that Antonio Valencia scored the winner for United the last time the team visited CSKA, so we will ask him for the secret to beat them because they haven’t lost at home this season, both in the group stage and in the previous rounds.“And the next weekend we play against City, always a special derby, a different game. This time it’s even more important because both sides are up there on the table. In October there are no decisive games in the Premier League, but defeating a team with so much quality would be significant.”"

Mata was celebrating winning September’s Player of the Month for Manchester United against Everton and said a quick thank-you message to the fans for voting him as the winner ahead of Chris Smalling and Anthony Martial, who won the Premier League’s Player of the Month for the same month.

"“By the way, thank you so much for choosing me as the Player of the Month for September! I will keep working hard to get more.”"

Next: van Gaal praises Herrera & Lingard

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