Juan Mata: Our Fans Are Everything

Today's clash between Manchester United and Chelsea will be extra special for Juan Mata as he comes up against his old club, and the Spaniard is hoping the Old Trafford faithful can play their part in helping the Reds net a famous win.

United's task will not be easy, though, with Chelsea arriving at the Theatre of Dreams unbeaten and leading the way at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Mata highlighted the importance of United's fans in the last two home matches against West Ham and Everton, and he hopes their backing will inspire the team again this afternoon.

"The supporters are very important. At Old Trafford they are amazing, particularly in the last two games. They were like another player on the pitch helping us," he told United Review. "Football is about the supporters; when you’re in the stadium they are there to shout for you and they have faith in you. Football would be nothing without the fans."

On coming up against his old employers for the first time, Mata says: "When I played against Valencia [for Chelsea] it was a bit weird because it was just one month after I moved, but it was also nice because I got to see old friends and the people I had worked with every day. Today is a special game for me but the most important thing for me and for the team is three points."