The midfielder is gearing up for his side's tough fixture list, which includes games against Chelsea, Juventus and Manchester City
Juan Mata said Manchester United are facing a defining month as they prepare to meet Premier League rivals Chelsea and take on Juventus in the Champions League.
United are eighth and seven points off the pace ahead of their trip to joint-leaders 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 champions host 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.
"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."
Lodadklptu
2
Mata is the only creative player now at MAN-U. How I wish he could play every match.
sadness
2
Juan Mata class. He unlocks our potential. A guaranteed starter.
corruption
1
Pure class that little juan.. he started the whole come back..
Citymen
1
The oldest and the most passionate. That’s the spirit. Take a bow Juan. 👍
ourselve
3
I've Said it again that Mata should always be a starter as CM or 10 if we are planning to play attacking football
Lucass
0
Mata changed the game for me. Made us play pogba and martial came alive too
Pinocchi
0
Mata is a classic no 10, was exceptional at Chelsea 2011-13, okayed centrally
Terrorbob
0
He is so wasted on the wing. He’s got to play central!
book
0
We should really be talking about Juan Mata, who I thought was exceptional in that central midfield position
Charlesgarrett
0
he is the best chance maker in united. Through pass from tight angle
Fatherof
0
I think he really deserves 3 or 4 consecutive starts of atleast 70 minutes each.
foreverbay
0
Top Man Utd goalscorers still at the club Juan Mata 41 Anthony Martial 38 Marcus Rashford 33 Romelu Lukaku 31
wanzs
0
This club is not serious about discarding old legs.
pOliver
0
Time for a real run in the team for Juan Mata?
Messiaha
0
Juan Mata's hopeful terms will be agreed soon.
unstainz
1
Mutuamente
0
Jose Mourinho has told Ed Woodward that he wants to keep Juan Mata and Ander Herrera, with both players considered positive influences in the dressing room.
Rtakiss
0
he's also an unreal geezer! Underrated signing from Man Utd?
unclein
0
Juan Mata at any also also wonderful.
crossover
0
Juan Mata's career could have been so much more success
Jeremiaher
0
He should return to his spiritual home, valencia.
citizens
0
Mata was the best no 10 in those years and a top bloke but Jose wanted to make a statement with mata and he did and the good guy suffered
Sokanola
0
I am on the fence and seriously hoping whoever wins does Arsenal a favour.
Donbest65
0
man u will come out successful
zesakz
0
90mins will determine whether its Chelsea or not
Rieabkrtu
0
Chelsea is going to beat Man United, without a doubt.
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let's hope not 😁🍃
MelvinJKamara
1
Chelsea is going to beat Man United, without a doubt.