Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has warned his players that they must be fully focused for their meeting with champions Man City next week, despite the Red Devils being in impressive form, the Spaniard wrote on his personal blog.
After scoring a sensational brace in Man United’s 2-1 against rivals Liverpool, Mata was in the starting eleven for the Old Trafford outfit’s win over Aston Villa, which saw Louis van Gaal’s side overtook their city neighbours.
Man United welcome their local rivals to Old Trafford next and will be looking to take a giant step in reclaiming their crown as kings of Manchester after they surrendered their Premier League title last year.
SEE MORE:
Manchester United FC news
Ten Premier League stars who should’ve played more this season, with Man United duo & Arsenal youngster
Man United boss Louis van Gaal fires warning shot at Manchester City ahead of derby date
“The team is improving, this is our fifth consecutive win in the Premiership and we want to keep this streak,” Mata wrote.
“Winning the derby against City the next Sunday could be very important for the battle in the #top4. A derby is always special and we must be careful with City’s attacking players, because they can win the game in an isolated play.”
Van Gaal will no doubt be made aware by assistant Ryan Giggs that Manchester City have won on their last three visits to Old Trafford, including last season’s convincing 3-0 victory.
Chelsea look like clinching the Premier League title, but Arsenal, Manchester City and Man United seem embroiled in their own battle to finish as high up the table as possible and avoid having to undergo a qualification round to reach the Champions League group stages.