Juan Mata is ahead of facing former Chelsea club this weekend, but warned his Manchester United teammates that they will have to play at their “best level” to win the heavyweight clash in the Premier League.
The Red Devils, who have been languishing in 15th place lately, will remain encouraged by their astonishing 2–1 home win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League mid-week, their fifth win in six games.
Meanwhile, Chelsea were limited to a blank draw in the house against Seville on Tuesday night and has won one of their last five games in all competitions, but seven of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in eighth grade.
The United Mata midfielder spent 3 years with Chelsea and a popular figure with Stamford Bridge fans, winning the Player of the Year award in his first two years in West London.
The Spaniard was close to Frank Lampard during his time at the club, but the duo’s friendship will be suspended for 90 minutes on the night of Old Trafford.
“It’s special for me to play against them. I still have a lot of friends there,” Mata told United’s official website.
“I know Frank, we were teammates. I know how smart he is as a coach and, of course, how smart he is as a player.
It will be complicated because they have wonderful new players on the team.
“They have a team, so many players can play and do it right.
“We have to make sure that we are in a position for this and that we are able to play at our most productive level, like the last two matches.
“If we play that way, I’m sure we’ll be about to win. “
It is a vital month finale for United, who will face Leipzig and Arsenal after their match with Chelsea, and Mata has suggested to his teammates the complacency after two impressive victories.
“We knew we had a month’s head start with some very complicated matches,” he added.
“We control playing well in the two most sensitive, so we must maintain momentum for the next.
“[We] have Chelsea, Leipzig, Arsenal on the way, so we have to make sure we’re on our own and add points. “
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